Apple has released tvOS 26.2, which allows the creation of additional user profiles for adults and children on the Apple TV box without requiring an Apple Account.
The Apple TV streaming box has supported user profiles for years, but each profile previously required an Apple Account, requiring families to set up family sharing.
tvOS 26.2 makes it easier to personalize Apple TV for household members and guests.
- "If you have a profile with an Apple Account, you can easily set up and manage profiles for kids or other household members who don't have an Apple Account. Profiles get their own watch history, recommendations, and watchlists in the Apple TV app, and profiles for kids can be filtered for age-appropriate content," Apple writes.
Only works in Apple's own apps
User profiles work in Apple's apps such as the Apple TV app, which integrates content from, among others, the streaming services Apple TV, Disney+, Prime Video and HBO Max.
There is a developer API to allow Netflix and others to link their user profiles to Apple TV's overall user profiles, but none of the major streaming services have made use of this API so far.
Create multiple users on Apple TV without an Apple Account. Photo: FlatpanelsPIN code and different languages
Expanded user profile support also finally makes it possible to set a PIN code on user accounts, so children cannot simply switch over. However, the PIN code only applies within the Apple TV app, so it does not restrict children's access in apps such as Netflix, making it less useful.
- "In Settings for the Apple TV app, you can now set up a 4-digit code to access a profile," the company states.
The PIN code can be set under Settings -> Apps -> TV -> Select user profile -> Profile Lock. There are still no options to limit screen time.
User profiles on Apple TV that are created without an Apple Account can later be upgraded to an Apple TV account from the settings menu.
Another addition is that it is now possible to select a separate language for each Apple TV user. Other settings cannot be individualized.
tvOS 26.2 follows the release of tvOS 26, which introduced a new 'Liquid Glass' user interface, AirPlay pairing of speakers, karaoke and more. tvOS 26.2 is free and available now for Apple TV HD and Apple TV 4K.
