Apple recently provided us the ability to "federate" or "claim" all Apple Accounts (Formely named "Apple IDs") that use the @company.org domain names. This means that only the COMPANY can create Apple Accounts with these domains. The new Federated Apple Accounts will allow us some additional management but also provide added benefits to our users, like self user enrollment and single sign-on capabilities.
Transitioning to a Federated Apple Account may require some action on your part. Below are answers to common questions and instructions for moving to a Federated Apple Account.
What happens to all the Apps and Books that were purchased in my old @company.org Apple Account?
All purchases made with funds will be retained. They will be transferred to the new personal Apple Account that you must create as part of the Federated Apple Account process.
I received an email from Apple <account@apple.com> with the subject "Update Apple Account" that said I need to update my Apple Account. Is this a phishing scam?
No, this is a legitimate email from Apple sent to users who created an Apple Account with the @company.org domain. An example of the email is shown below. (emails from Apple might still use the former Apple ID term or the newer Apple Account)
What actions do I need to take?
In summary, you must change the email address on your @company.org Apple Account to a different email address because COMPANY is "claiming" the domains ending in @company.org to maintain control over their usage. If you don't change your @company.org email address associated with this Apple Account within 60 days, Apple will move it to a temporary account, requiring you to claim the Apple Account. Choose any email address that isn't currently linked to another Apple Account and doesn't end in @company.org.
Apple provides a knowledge base article about the Federated Apple Account process. Here's an excerpt:
Changing your email address only changes the Apple Account that other people see when sharing with you, and the email address Apple uses to contact you regarding your account. The organization reclaiming your email address won't have access to your data, and your data remains with your Apple Account whether or not you change the email address associated with your account. This includes content stored in iCloud, such as photos, videos, and documents. Sign in with your updated Apple Account email address to continue using iCloud.
How do I change my email address?
Again, Apple has a great knowledge base article on how to change your email address to something other than you @company.org address. The steps are outlined below:
1. Go to account.apple.com and sign in with your @company.org Apple Account. If you do not remember your password, you can visit iforgot.apple.com to reset your password.
2. In the Account section, click Edit.
3. Under your Apple Account, click Change Apple Account. (Image is outdated but the principle is the same)
4. Enter the new email that you want to use for your Apple Account. (Image is outdated but the principle is the same)
5. Click Continue.
6. After you enter the email address that you want to use as your Apple Account, a verification code is sent to you at that address. Enter the verification code from the email into the fields provided and start using your updated Apple Account.
Please note you will not be able to sign in to a Federated Apple Account until any conflicts with existing Apple Accounts are resolved by following the directions in this article.
If you have additional questions about changing your email or Federated Apple Accounts, please submit a help desk ticket.