AppleInsider Staff
Apple on Thursday removed the beta tag from its Apple ID creation tool, granting anyone, on any platform access to access to the iWork for iCloud Web-based productivity suite.
The rollout comes less than two weeks after Apple launched an Apple ID creation tool that enabled users access to iWork for iCloud on non-Apple devices, including computers and mobile devices running Windows and Android.
Prior to the open enrollment option, Apple ID and its trappings were reserved for owners of Mac, iPhone, iPad and iPod hardware.
As seen in the above screenshot, users visiting iCloud.com can click on the new sign-up link to create an Apple ID account, which opens the door to select Apple online services. For now, access is limited to the Pages, Numbers and Keynote Web apps and a Settings page. A further restriction limits online storage space to 1GB for users without Apple hardware.
To create a new Apple ID, new users must furnish their name, email address, date of birth and set up three security questions for password retrieval. As noted previously, the process can be accomplished on any modern browser, including Internet Explorer for Windows machines.
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31 Comments
Prior to the open enrollment option, Apple ID and its trappings were restricted to owners of Mac, iPhone, iPad and iPod hardware.
Nonsense.
For years, it has been very easy to create an Apple ID at appleid.apple.com from any web browser. It has been one of the easy ways to create an Apple ID without having to provide credit card information, for iTunes Store/App Store free downloads.
Note that Windows users have been using iTunes for years and years and you don't even need to connect an iPod to use iTunes. You can just use it like a music jukebox.
Nonsense.
For years, it has been very easy to create an Apple ID at appleid.apple.com from any web browser. It has been one of the easy ways to create an Apple ID without having to provide credit card information, for iTunes Store/App Store free downloads.
Note that Windows users have been using iTunes for years and years and you don't even need to connect an iPod to use iTunes. You can just use it like a music jukebox.
While you are absolutely correct, the real story here is that the iWork suite is now available to everyone without needing an iDevice or a Mac. The author wasn't exactly clear on that fact, and instead made it about the creation of the Apple ID.
While you are absolutely correct, the real story here is that the iWork suite is now available to everyone without needing an iDevice or a Mac. The author wasn't exactly clear on that fact, and instead made it about the creation of the Apple ID.
I've used the iWork suite on a PC before.
[quote name="Mike Eggleston" url="/t/184965/apples-iwork-for-icloud-goes-platform-agnostic-open-to-everyone#post_2682140"] While you are absolutely correct, the real story here is that the iWork suite is now available to everyone without needing an iDevice or a Mac. The author wasn't exactly clear on that fact, and instead made it about the creation of the Apple ID. [/quote] I'm pretty sure you could use Chrome, IE, and Firefox for various iCloud web apps before today. [LIST][*] http://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204230 [/LIST]
Yes, you could create an Apple ID online previously with no Apple hardware, but it's nice how the process is not much more user friendly and accessible through icloud.com.