Apple allows users to change iCloud address in iOS 18.1

If you’re ashamed of your 10-year-old iCloud email address, this month might be your chance.

MacRumors reports that with the introduction of iOS 18.1, Apple will allow users to change their iCloud email address for the first time, making it dramatically easier to change your old Apple account email.

Previously, Apple didn’t allow users to change their primary email address in iCloud at all. Users can set up an alias to display a different iCloud address when sending email. However, no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t completely hide the original email. For example, your iCloud email address will continue to appear when you share and collaborate on documents or send calendar invitations.

Post-update Apple users can also change the email address of their primary Apple account (officially known as Apple ID) directly by going to the Settings app. Previously, users had to go through a lengthy process of deleting their old primary email and reverifying their identity before selecting a new one.

This name change update also applies to older Apple users who created an iCloud email account before 2012 and set it up with an @me.com or @mac.com email address.

As of this writing, Apple has not announced an official release date for iOS 18.1, but if Bloomberg’s Mark Garman’s prediction is correct, it is expected to begin rolling out in stages on October 28th.

But iOS 18.1 is set to bring a lot more than just email updates. This is also Apple’s first big entry into the world of generative AI. Apple Intelligence is also scheduled for release with iOS 18.1, a suite of tools that will let you “create languages ​​and images, take actions across apps, and pull from personal context to simplify and speed up everyday tasks.” It is expected to offer new AI capabilities.

iCloud made a number of other major updates in 2024. In February, Apple updated the iCloud for Windows app to improve integration between platforms. With the redesign, users can now not only sync iCloud Photos to folders on Windows, but also integrate Safari and iCloud bookmarks. Chrome, Firefox, or Edge.

About Will McCurdy

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I’m a reporter in charge of weekend news. Before joining PCMag in 2024, I had bylined articles for BBC News, The Guardian, The Times of London, The Daily Beast, Vice, Slate, Fast Company, The Evening Standard, The i, TechRadar, and Decrypt Media. I picked it up.

I’ve been a PC gamer since the days when I had to manually install games from multiple CD-ROMs. As a reporter, I’m passionate about the intersection of technology and human life. I’ve covered everything from crypto scandals to the art world, conspiracy theories, British politics, Russia and foreign affairs.

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