A New Way to Access Stony Brook University Apple IDs
Effective July 1st 2025, Stony Brook University will begin the Apple ID Federation procedure. This will enable users to use their university credentials to sign in to Apple services.
What Is Apple ID Federation?
Apple ID Federation allows Stony Brook University’s Single Sign-On to Apple services. This means users can sign in to Apple services (iCloud, Apple School Manager, etc.) using their First.Last@stonybrook.edu email and NetID password, just like they do for Office 365. This change will take place on Jul 1, 2025.
Who Does This Affect?
- Faculty, staff, and students using institutional devices or Apple services tied to the stonybrook.edu domain.
- Anyone whose Apple ID email address ends in @stonybrook.edu.
What Happens to My Existing @stonybrook.edu Apple ID?
Apple will prompt you to choose whether your existing @stonybrook.edu Apple ID:
- Should remain a Personal Apple ID
- Be converted to a Managed Apple ID controlled by Stony Brook
You must choose one — this is irreversible.
What’s the Difference Between Personal and Managed Apple IDs?
| Feature | Personal Apple ID | Managed Apple ID |
|---|---|---|
Account ownership | User-controlled | University-controlled |
Use with iCloud, App Store, Apple Music, etc. | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No (limited access) |
Access to purchases, subscriptions, and personal data | ✅ Yes | 🚫 No (cannot access personal purchases) |
Intended for | Personal devices and data | Work/study use on university-owned devices |
Admin restrictions | None | Managed by IT (restrictions, remote wipe possible) |
Data retention | Personal, non-institutional | Institutional asset |
When Should I Choose “Keep as Personal Apple ID”?
Most users should choose this option
Choose Personal if:
- You've used your @stonybrook.edu Apple ID for personal iCloud data, such as:
- Photos, documents, or email
- Purchased apps, music, or subscriptions
- You are using personal Apple devices (e.g., personal iPhone or iPad)
Your personal content will remain accessible with a personal Apple ID. You’ll then be prompted to change the Apple ID email from @stonybrook.edu to a personal email (e.g., iCloud, Gmail, etc).
When Should I Choose “Use as Managed Apple ID”?
Only choose Managed if:
- You only use your @stonybrook.edu Apple ID on university-managed Apple devices
- You have no personal purchases or iCloud data tied to the Apple ID
- You are using the Apple ID for work-related services (e.g., Apple School Manager, device setup)
With a managed Apple ID, you’ll now sign in using your NetID credentials, and the university will manage the account and associated devices.
What Should I Do Now?
- Check if your Apple ID uses @stonybrook.edu
- Go to Settings > [your name] on your Apple device
- Look under Apple ID > iCloud
- Back up personal data if you're unsure — especially photos, notes, and app purchases
- Choose wisely when prompted by Apple:
- Keep Personal if your account has personal purchases or data
- Use as Managed only if it’s used with university devices and work
What If I Accidentally Chose the Wrong Option?
Unfortunately, this choice is permanent. If you chose "Use as Managed" and lost access to personal purchases, you will need to:
Contact Apple Support directly and/or repurchase apps or services under a new personal Apple ID.