The forthcoming iOS 18.1 update introduces a significant change for Apple users, particularly those using iCloud.com, mac.com, or me.com email addresses. In this update, Apple is allowing users to change their primary email address associated with their Apple Account (formerly known as Apple ID). This is a departure from previous versions, where users could not alter their primary iCloud email address but could only add alias email addresses for various uses.

Key Updates in iOS 18.1:

  • Change Primary Email Address: Users will now be able to change the primary email address linked to their Apple Account. This allows for greater flexibility, especially for users who wish to update their primary contact details or move away from older email addresses.
  • Login Options: After changing the primary email, users can log in using either the new email address or the previous one, offering enhanced convenience.
  • Visibility of Primary Email: Despite using an alias, the primary email address was still visible to others in certain functions like document sharing or calendar invitations. This update might address or clarify how the primary email impacts such visibility.

Previously, changing the primary email address was a more cumbersome process that involved deleting the old primary email and re-verifying identity to establish a new one. This update simplifies user account management, potentially making it less daunting for users to maintain their Apple Account settings up to date.

This change reflects Apple’s ongoing efforts to enhance user experience and account management flexibility, responding to user feedback and evolving digital identity needs.