If you wish to eliminate the Apple ID associated with your identity, it is indeed possible to do so. There are various reasons why someone may want to delete their Apple ID account. On one end of the spectrum, a person may have mistakenly set up multiple accounts and only wants to use one. On the other end, a person may no longer want to be associated with Apple or its products, or may want to disconnect from technology entirely.
The process of deletion is quite straightforward, as Apple is known for its strong stance on user privacy. Once an Apple ID is deleted, the user is unable to sign in with it anymore. All account details are permanently removed, rendering them useless for all Apple services. This includes iCloud data, purchased or downloadable content from Apple Services, and even subscriptions linked to the account.
It’s important to back up any data stored in iCloud before initiating the deletion process. Additionally, users should download any purchased DRM-free content and review their active subscriptions. Once the account is deleted, it cannot be reactivated, and all associated data will be lost permanently.
If the idea of permanently deleting data is unappealing, users can opt for account deactivation instead. This process suspends access to the Apple ID account and associated data, with almost identical results as account deletion. Users can reactivate the account in the future using the access code provided during the deactivation process.
The deletion or deactivation process involves several steps, including selecting a reason for deletion or deactivation, reviewing terms and conditions, and receiving status updates on the process. Verification from Apple is required before the account is deleted or deactivated, and the entire process could take several days to complete. During this time, the account will still be active, and it’s possible to cancel the request by supplying the access code to Apple Support.