Apple now allows purchase transfers between accounts, with limitations

TL;DR: Managing multiple accounts on the same platform can be a hassle. Fortunately, Apple has now made it easier for users by releasing an official guide on migrating data between accounts.

Apple is finally offering a way to transfer previously purchased content to a different user account, though the process remains somewhat convoluted. First spotted by the Apple-focused blog 512 Pixels, this new option is currently unavailable to millions of users in the European Union, United Kingdom, and India. However, Apple's official support document provides a step-by-step guide to navigating the migration process.

The new documentation is intended for users who want to move purchases from one Apple account to another. The ideal use case outlined in the guide involves a secondary account used solely for purchases and a primary account that serves as the user's main iCloud login.

The migration process allows users to transfer apps, music, books, TV shows, and other content between accounts. During the transfer, the Apple account signed into iCloud is designated as the primary account, while the account used exclusively for media purchases is referred to as the secondary account.

Before migrating data, users must meet several key requirements. First, they need to be signed into two different accounts on their iPhone or iPad. The secondary account must not be part of a different Family Sharing group, and both accounts must be set to the same country and region for purchases.

Additional prerequisites include enabling two-factor authentication, ensuring the secondary Apple account has a zero balance, and updating to the latest version of iOS or iPadOS. If all conditions are met, users can initiate the migration through the new "Migrate Purchases" option in the Settings app. Once the transfer is complete, the secondary account will no longer be able to make media purchases. Additionally, any payment methods associated with the secondary account will be transferred to the primary account.

While Apple's migration process provides a valuable tool for consolidating accounts after years within Cupertino's ecosystem, it isn't without potential pitfalls. Some users, for instance, have reported issues after inadvertently locking family members out of their Family Sharing group.