What is the difference between Apple Account and Apple ID?

The difference between an Apple Account and an Apple ID primarily lies in their usage and management contexts:

1. Apple ID:

   • Personal Use: An Apple ID is typically used by individuals for personal purposes. It allows users to access Apple services such as the App Store, iCloud, iMessage, FaceTime, and more.
   • Personal Data: The data associated with an Apple ID, such as photos, messages, and app purchases, is owned and managed by the individual user.

2. Managed Apple Account:

   • Organizational Use: Managed Apple accounts are designed specifically for use within organizations like businesses or schools. These accounts are created and managed through Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager.
   • Organizational Data: The organization owns both the account and the data within it. This allows for better control and management of devices and data used within the organization.
   • Data Separation: Managed Apple accounts enable data separation, ensuring that personal data remains private even on organization-owned devices. For example, a user's personal iCloud Drive appears next to their corporate iCloud Drive, which is associated with their managed Apple account.

For more details, you can refer to the session What’s new in device management (04:18).

Relevant Sessions

1. What’s new in device management
2. What’s new in privacy
3. Meet FinanceKit