Apple has introduced a feature that enables users to transfer purchased apps, music, and other content between different Apple accounts. This update is available worldwide, except in the European Union, the United Kingdom, and India.
This feature benefits users who have separate accounts for iCloud and purchases on the App Store. If an account was used solely for purchases, its content can now be moved to another account and downloaded from there. Subscriptions will also transfer alongside purchased content. However, iCloud data will remain unaffected, as it is not linked to purchases.
How Transferred Content Replaces Existing Data
When content is moved, it will replace the equivalent content in the receiving account:
- In Apple Music, the music library, personalization profile, social profile, and Apple Music Replay from the secondary account will replace those in the primary account (if the primary account already has a library, it remains unchanged).
- In the Apple TV app, the Up Next queue from the secondary account will replace the one in the primary account.
- In Apple Podcasts, the podcast library from the secondary account will replace the library in the primary account.
Limitations and Requirements
Certain restrictions apply when transferring content:
- Transfers are not possible if one of the accounts is a child account created via Family Sharing.
- Content cannot be moved if both accounts have separate music libraries.
- Apple One subscriptions providing iCloud storage to a third account will prevent transfers.
- The primary account must have a history of purchases or downloads of free content.
- Content cannot be transferred from accounts that have been deleted, deactivated, locked, or disabled.
- Both accounts must be in the same region and have two-factor authentication enabled.
How to Transfer Purchased Content
To transfer content between accounts, follow these steps:
- Open Settings on your iPhone or iPad.
- Tap your username, then select Media & Purchases.
- Tap Review and sign in if necessary.
- Scroll down and select Transfer Purchases.
- Review both accounts’ information and complete the transfer.
- Once done, you’ll see a confirmation message: “Purchases have been transferred.” Emails confirming the transfer will be sent to both accounts.
After the transfer, check your Media & Purchases settings, sign out of the secondary account, and log in with your primary account. If the Transfer Purchases option is unavailable, you may not meet the necessary criteria, notes NIX Solutions.
We’ll keep you updated on any further improvements to this feature.