Apple looking for a way to merge multiple Apple IDs after iCloud issues

Apple is looking for a way to merge multiple Apple IDs, since developers have found having multiple sign-ins cause problems on iOS 5 and iCloud, according to MacRumors.

Apple did not immediately respond to a request for official comment.

The issue of using multiple Apple IDs has been a minor annoyance in the past, with users needing to switch between them when performing updates and certain downloads. People who had an Apple ID and a MobileMe account, for example, would fall into that category. But now Apple has instituted a new policy with Automatic Downloads, which do not let you switch between logins and locks devices for 90 days to a single account.

Apple thus far has not provided a solution or even any suggestions for resolving the issue. The only official comment the company has provided is that Apple IDs can not be consolidated at this time. MacRumors said an Apple spokesperson told a customer with the issue to just use a single ID for all future purchases.

As someone who has multiple Apple IDs and toggles between them to download apps for the iPhone and iPad, this is a particularly troublesome issue for me. I’ve used two IDs for several years to help keep work and personal downloads separate, but now Apple will be mandating that I only use one, and I’ll lose the ability to update many of my apps. I’m certainly hoping Apple allows the merging of the two IDs before iOS 5 and iCloud are officially released.