Unable To Update GarageBand After Switching Apple ID

Question

Unable To Update GarageBand After Switching Apple ID

When I purchased my computer, I signed in under a shared Apple ID, under which the standard-issue Apple iLife and iWork programs came free. I recently switched to my own Apple ID, but found that when prompted to update GarageBand from within the software, I was prompted by the Mac App Store to purchase it for $4.99. When I logged in using my old Apple ID, I was confronted with the same scenario. Is there perhaps something I was doing incorrectly, or are there other steps that I must take in order to get the latest version of this program? I am aware that programs are tethered to their original purchasers, but that doe snot explain why I was unable to update under the old Apple ID. I even went as far as to delete it and tried to "re-download" it, but I would still have ad to pay $4.99 (following this prompt, I recovered GarageBand from the trash).

Assistance would be greatly appreciated.

MacBook Air, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1), Mid-2013 13"

Posted on Jul 23, 2015 7:34 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Rysz

Level 8

44,391 points

Jul 23, 2015 8:25 PM in response to TheChessPlayer

All purchases are forever linked to the Apple ID that was originally used to make them.

At this point, your choices are to either "purchase" them again with the new Apple ID, or log into the App Store with the previous Apple ID to re-download them from the Purchases tab, or update them from the Updates tab.

Reply

Answer 2

Jul 24, 2015 11:47 AM in response to Rysz

I attempted to do that, but I was prompted to purchase the software for $4.99.

Reply

Answer 3

léonie

Level 10

194,723 points

Jul 24, 2015 11:53 AM in response to TheChessPlayer

Which version of GarageBand do you have? If it is Garageband '11, version 6.0.5, the upgrade to the new GarageBand 10 is not a free update but a major new upgrade that needs to be purchased. GarageBand 10 is not part of iLife. It comes only for free with a new computer.

Reply

Answer 4

Jul 24, 2015 11:54 AM in response to léonie

That explains it! I was unaware - it makes sense now. Many thanks for your assistance.

Reply

Answer 5

léonie

Level 10

194,723 points

Jul 24, 2015 12:04 PM in response to TheChessPlayer

Your welcome. 🙂

When the first number of a version number changes, it is usually a major new release, that requires a paid upgrade. As long as the first number stays the same you will get free updates.

There was a very short time when GarageBand 10 first came out, that the upgrade was free, but we had to pay for the instruments and loops with an in-app purchase for $4.99. And that caused a major outrage. So now the app needs to be purchased, but there are no more in-app purchases. Essentially we are paying the same amount.

One more thing: GarageBand 10 is very different from GarageBand '11. Don't uninstall GarageBand '11 when you upgrade. Keep it installed. You may want to fall back on GarageBand '11 for things that are not supported in GarageBand 10. And you may want to use the GaregBand '11 sounds and loops with GarageBand 10.0

Reply