# Apple Unveils Account Purchase Migration: Essential Information
Earlier this week, Apple announced a major update that has thrilled countless long-term App Store users: the launch of a new feature that enables individuals to combine purchases from one Apple account to another. This eagerly anticipated capability intends to offer enhanced flexibility for users who might own multiple Apple accounts, whether due to family sharing setups or simply having created distinct accounts over the years. Nonetheless, there are several crucial prerequisites and constraints that users need to keep in mind before initiating the migration of their purchases.
## Prerequisites for Purchase Migration
Apple has specified a variety of conditions that must be fulfilled for a successful purchase migration process. Here are the main points:
1. **No Child Accounts**: Both the primary and secondary Apple accounts must not be child accounts established via Family Sharing.
2. **Distinct Migration Status**: Neither account can already be linked to migrated purchases. If you reverse a migration, you must wait a year before trying to migrate purchases again.
3. **Restrictions on Music Libraries**: Migration is not feasible if both accounts contain music library data.
4. **Apple One Subscription Constraints**: Purchases cannot be migrated if your Apple One subscription is configured to provide iCloud storage to a different account.
5. **History of Purchases**: The primary account needs a record of purchases or free downloads; accounts lacking any purchase history are not eligible.
6. **Account Status**: Migration is not possible from accounts that are deleted, deactivated, locked, or disabled.
7. **Accounts with Special Access**: Accounts that have special privileges for apps or content, such as those participating in the Volume Purchase Program (VPP) through an employer, cannot engage in migration.
## Extra Considerations for TestFlight
Users who have beta-tested applications through TestFlight might face additional challenges. Specifically, if the secondary Apple account has been utilized for testing beta app versions, those applications will not be transferred during the migration. To fix this, users need to cease testing each app on TestFlight prior to attempting to migrate their purchases.
## Processing Duration and Regional Constraints
Apple’s support documentation has specified that the 15-day processing regulation for purchases made with an Apple Account balance specifically applies to users in South Korea and mainland China. This implies that users in these locations may face delays in the migration process.
## Family Sharing and Migration
Interestingly, Apple has also revised its guidelines concerning Family Sharing. Users can still migrate purchases even if the secondary account was formerly intended for sharing purchases within a Family Sharing framework. This adaptability allows families to more efficiently consolidate their purchases.
## User Feedback and Issues
Despite the excitement surrounding the new migration feature, early users have shared a mix of experiences. Many have run into difficulties that hinder successful migrations, often without clear explanations regarding unmet requirements. For example, one user mentioned that their migration attempt was unsuccessful after exiting all TestFlight programs, and they could not access the migration option again.
## Conclusion
Apple’s launch of purchase migration between accounts is a positive advancement for numerous users, providing a way to merge purchases and enhance their Apple experience. However, the extensive requirements and possible obstacles mean that users should approach this process with care. Prior to attempting to migrate purchases, it’s recommended to thoroughly review the prerequisites and ensure that both accounts satisfy all essential conditions. Apple continues to adapt its services, and this feature may lead to further improvements in the future.
