Kids Take Over: Apple TV’s New Kids Profiles in tvOS 26.2

Apple TV software updates are usually not the most exciting, but the upcoming tvOS 26.2 is an exception, with a change that could make the set-top box more family-friendly. The Apple TV has historically been a single-user device, mirroring the iPhone and iPad. However, with the introduction of multiple user profiles in tvOS 13 in 2019, Apple acknowledged the need for a more family-friendly approach. Third-party apps were slow to adopt this feature, with support only fully opening up in tvOS 16 in 2022. Now, in tvOS 26, Apple has made user profiles more prominent with a front-end selection screen that allows users to choose who’s watching each time the set-top box is turned on. This change eliminates the need to dive into Control Center to switch profiles, making it more convenient for families with different viewing preferences. While users still have the option to use a single-user approach, the new profile creation process in tvOS 26.2 no longer requires an Apple Account, making it easier to create profiles for children or guests. Users can now create profiles with custom names and avatars, with the option to designate a profile as a “Kid” profile for age-appropriate content. However, there is currently no way to change content ratings for profiles once they are set up. Despite these improvements, third-party app support for user profiles remains limited, as many developers have their own profile systems that do not easily integrate with Apple’s implementation. Apple has introduced an “Automatic Sign-In API” in tvOS 26 to simplify the sign-in process, but developers still need to adopt this feature. The Apple TV ecosystem is still relatively small compared to the iPhone, and developers may not see the value in investing resources to support Apple’s profile system. Overall, while Apple has made strides in improving user profiles on the Apple TV, there are still challenges to widespread adoption among third-party developers.

Apple TV Fun for the Whole Family

In the latest tvOS 26.2 betas, creating a profile no longer requires signing in with an Apple device. Users can now simply click on a “Create Profile” button and follow prompts to set up a profile with a custom name, avatar, and content preferences. “Kid” profiles automatically receive age-appropriate content ratings, but users can customize these settings. However, there is currently no option to change these settings after profile creation.

The same profile creation process can be used for other users, making it easy to set up profiles for family members without Apple Accounts or for guests. This feature allows users to maintain separate watch lists and music recommendations on the Apple TV.

It’s Still a Small Garden

While Apple has made improvements to user profiles on the Apple TV, third-party app support remains limited. Many developers already have their own profile systems that do not easily integrate with Apple’s implementation. The new “Automatic Sign-In API” in tvOS 26 aims to simplify the sign-in process for developers, but adoption is still necessary. Apple has not provided a way to map Apple TV profiles to existing account credentials, further complicating the integration process for developers. Despite these challenges, Apple continues to work towards making the Apple TV more user-friendly for families and individuals alike.