Now that iCloud is here, many of you may be eager to run right out and sign on – before you do, it’s important to note that iCloud requires OS X 10.7.2 or iOS 5. If you’re ready, here are the instructions for signing up for iCloud (or migrating from MobileMe):
Creating A New Account
Note that creating a new iCloud account requires OS X 10.7.2 or iOS 5, which were both released today.
You can easily create a new iCloud account from a fresh install of iOS 5 – in fact Apple prompts you to. Simply enter your Apple ID when prompted, or create a new Apple ID. This Apple ID will become your iCloud login, so make sure it’s the Apple ID you want associated with your iCloud account. You can also create an iCloud account by visiting Settings.app in iOS 5 and tapping on the iCloud pane.
You can also create a new account from OS X 10.7.2 by opening System Preferences and clicking Mail, Contacts and Calendars. Click Add account, then sign in with your Apple ID or create a new one to sign up for iCloud.
Transitioning From MobileMe
For those of you migrating a MobileMe account to iCloud, simply visit iCloud.com, log in with your MobileMe account and click “Get Started”. For those of you concerned about how the transition to iCloud will affect you, don’t worry. You’ll still be able to keep most MobileMe features through June 2012. You can find more information on how you will be affected in our “What you need to know about iCloud” article.