These are the differences between iCloud, iCloud Drive, iTunes, App Store and Apple ID

If you start using Apple devices and services, something quite common can happen to you: confuse you between all the terms and services that the company offers you. iPhones and Macs don’t skimp on BOMs, so we’ll go over them and explain them so you understand everything from minute one.

It’s all about the Apple ID

First, the most important: Apple ID (or Apple ID or Apple Account). It consists of an email address which can come from Apple or any other provider (such as Gmail) and a password; and with it you can access all Apple services.

This user account is also the one that identifies you to Apple, the one that proves that your devices belong to you, and the one that links your means of payment by integrating services like Apple Pay. This is also where we can add subscriptions to payment services such as Apple TV + or Apple Music. In summary, it is the center of all our activity on Apple devices and therefore we must never forget it. If you don’t know your Apple ID, you can easily find it.

So what is an iCloud account, iTunes account or App Store account? Exactly the same. It’s the same Apple ID, only there are those who call it that because it specifically accesses those services. Many names, one account. And since we are talking about services:

• The App store it’s nothing more than the store from which you can download apps to your iPhone, iPad, or Mac. Some apps are free, some include optional in-app purchases, and some include subscriptions.
• On another side iCloud It is the service that allows us to synchronize data between our devices: notes, calendars, reminders, photos or contacts among others. This sync is seamless: you can’t “get into iCloud” in your calendar, but the very calendar you see is already in iCloud.
• In iCloud we have specific parts such as iCloud Drivewhich is a Dropbox-style cloud folder in which to store your files and sync them across all our devices.
• On the other hand, itunes is the former name for Apple’s music services and application. The best thing to do is forget that name, because it no longer exists.

Remember: it’s all about your Apple ID, and ideally each person should only have one. The other services and names you may see work with this email and password. If you memorize this, you will avoid confusion and disappointment in the future.