tvOS 26.2 beta introduces child profiles and local Apple TV accounts (no Apple ID required)

Apple’s tvOS 26.2 beta surfaces notable changes to user management on Apple TV. Developers and beta testers have found two headline features: the addition of child (kids) profiles with tailored restrictions, and the option to create profiles directly on the Apple TV without linking them to an Apple ID.

These changes appear aimed at households that share a single TV unit. Child profiles let parents set viewing limits and tailor content access, while local accounts remove the friction of requiring every household member to have an Apple account just to use the TV.

What the beta reveals

• Child profiles: Dedicated kids accounts with age‑appropriate content controls and parental settings to manage what children can watch.
• Profiles without Apple ID: Ability to create and manage user accounts directly on Apple TV, independent of Apple account sign‑ins — useful for guests, kids, or family members without an Apple ID.
• Improved shared‑TV experience: Faster switching between accounts and less reliance on individual Apple IDs for each user on the same device.

Why it matters

Allowing local profiles lowers the barrier for households and short‑term users to personalize their Apple TV experience without creating or using an Apple ID. For parents, the new kid‑focused profiles provide a more robust way to enforce limits and curate content for younger viewers.

Limitations & rollout

These features are currently visible in the tvOS 26.2 beta and may be refined before public release. Apple typically tests such changes across beta cycles, so options, naming and menu locations could change. Expect an official announcement or release notes from Apple when the update ships to all users.

For the original reporting on these beta changes, see the ifun.de coverage (opens in a new tab): ifun.de — tvOS 26.2 beta notes.

Discussion: Would you prefer local profiles on a shared Apple TV, or do you value the convenience of Apple ID–linked accounts for continuity across devices? Share how you manage family profiles today.