Apple ID Account Options

[dubstir]

Since becoming an iPhone owner and also iCloud's conception, I have always directed other new iPhone users to create a brand new Apple ID using the @icloud, not so much for a new email address, but for Notes and to prevent confusion between their @other email password vs the Apple ID password. This way just made things easier for them.

For 4 years we have had a family iPad and I created a universal @icloud Apple ID in order to keep the adult IDs from being completely separated.

Now I am setting up my 10 year old son's new iPhone and I am debating whether to use his @LIVE address for his Apple ID vs creating him @icloud account. I am not doing the Family Sharing, but I am doing restrictions on the iPhone itself. I feel if I go the @icloud route, it will be a burner account until he is older to make his own decisions.

I was wondering if anyone has any suggestions for Apple ID best practices or can direct me to a site with this information. Any guidance would be appreciated.

 

[techwarrior]

It seems to me the least confusing approach is to use an @icloud account for both iTunes\App Store, an iCloud account, you can always use the @LIVE, gmail, etc as a secondary email on these accounts.

Why? Using a 3rd party email for iCloud can be confusing when using iCloud sharing, and I expect folder and other sharing options will become available in the near future. And, using a different email for iTunes\App Store gets confusing when using the Apple store App, and Family Sharing.

Once you start purchasing with a 3rd party email, it gets complicated to swicth without losing purchased items.

I started out with an iTunes account tied to a @hotmail address. But, then i got a @me.com address which eventually became my iCloud account. I still find myself switching between accounts from time to time and wish I could do a one time transfer to move all purchases from the @hotmail to @me account and go forward with just one. I have used iCloud Family Sharing to tie purchases between the accounts and that helps, but doesn't resolve all of the conflicts that arise.

 

[dubstir]

My thoughts are the same; using an @icloud keeps confusion at bay. I did open my kids @me accounts before they were no longer allowed to be registered, but I rather not have those accounts be muddled up at their current age. So I guess I'll open some burner accounts for the time being. Thanks for your input and confirming my thought process.