These two branches of the Apple ecosystem are completely different, but many just have one set of credentials to log in to both. Technically, you can use one Apple ID for making purchases and signing up for Apple services like Apple Music and Apple TV+, and a second Apple ID for syncing content and data between iCloud, such as Messages, Photos, Notes, and backups. The other account uses an Apple-branded email address, which was forced by Apple when MobileMe, now called iCloud, first started. Going back further, some users have an Apple ID that uses a third-party email address, such as created long ago, now with a lot of iTunes purchases on it.

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Before Family Sharing came to be, sharing one Apple ID between family for apps, music, movies, and other purchases allowed each family member to have a separate Apple ID for iCloud services so that not everything had to be connected. On the other side of the coin, some people have different Apple IDs for iTunes purchases and iCloud services. This could be because they have a personal Apple ID and one for work, school, or another scenario where you want a little separation.

Many users have one Apple ID that they use for everything, but others may actually have multiple Apple IDs.

However, things get slightly more complicated when you want to listen to Apple Music on another device you use with a different Apple ID, such as a work iPhone. Your Apple Music subscription is tied to the Apple ID that subscribed, so you can stream content from any iOS, iPadOS, macOS, tvOS, or watchOS device that your Apple ID is signed in to.

How do you make a free apple id account