Submitted by Frank Macey on
Apple will soon cease support for signing into the iTunes Store with AOL screen names. Those wishing to continue using iTunes or access previous purchases must convert their AOL sign in information into an Apple ID. The change will take effect on March 30, after which Apple will not provide support for AOL Username accounts.
iTunes users needing to convert to an Apple ID can sign in normally with their AOL screen name, and Apple will automatically ask to make the conversion. Once the process is complete, the Apple ID will retain access to all previous content purchased with the AOL Username in the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBooks Store. No other AOL services connected to the AOL screen name will be affected.
AOL was first added to the iTunes sign in page in 2003. Apple recently sent an email to affected users explaining the impacts of the change in policy:
This change should come as no surprise to iTunes users. The good news is that once an AOL sign in is converted to Apple ID, the user will gain access to iCloud and the Apple Online Store. Neither of these services are currently supported with an AOL screen name.After March 30, 2015, AOL will no longer support your ability to sign in to the iTunes Store, App Store, or iBooks Store. In order to continue using store features, including the ability to access your previously purchased content, you must transition from signing in with your AOL Username to signing in with an Apple ID.
AOL Usernames which have not been transitioned to Apple ID will permanently lose access to the iTunes Store, App Store, and iBooks Store after March 30, 2015. Apple will be unable to provide support for AOL Usernames which are not transitioned by this date.