When will we be able to merge Apple iDs?

We’re still not able to merge Apple IDs. Is it really that hard forApple to make this happen?

Back in the olden days of 2012, TUAW reader Glenn Thorpe nailed the problem when he wrote: “My Apple ID account which I use to download apps cannot be used for FaceTime nor Messages. I had to create new AppleIDs for both of these applications. The frustrating issue is that I now have three AppleIDs to manage and I am not sure of what impact this will have when I buy apps or try to perform other transactions.”

There were rumors at on point that Apple was working on a solution. However, Apple’s official word is still: “Apple IDs cannot be merged. You should use your preferred Apple ID from now on, but you can still access your purchased items such as music, movies, or software using your other Apple IDs.”

An Apple ID is the email address and password you use as a login for just about everything you do with Apple, including using iCloud to store your content, buying songs from the iTunes Store, and downloading apps from the app stores.

When you set up your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, you use the same Apple ID for iCloud services and purchases on the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBookstore. You can, however, use one Apple ID for iCloud services and another Apple ID for store purchases (including iTunes in the Cloud and iTunes Match). 

However, there’s really no need to have multiple Apple IDs. It’s confusing for the customer and, you would think, for Apple. Merging of IDs is needed, so, c’mon, Apple, let’s find a fix.