Significant Modifications Are Coming To YouTube TV In 2026
YouTube TV, the subscription-based streaming television service, is poised for remarkable changes in 2026. Originally introduced as a cost-effective alternative to conventional cable, its subscription fees have climbed to over $80 monthly. Nevertheless, five substantial modifications are on the way that could enhance the service’s appeal: new subscription options, a customizable multiview feature, design enhancements, a major upgrade to the DVR, and the introduction of ESPN Unlimited.
New YouTube TV Options
Google is moving away from its “all-or-nothing” subscription approach to present several genre-specific plans, potentially lowering costs based on user preferences. These consist of Sports, Entertainment, News, and Family bundles. All plans will maintain essential features such as unlimited DVR, multiview, and family sharing, with the possibility of add-ons like NFL Sunday Ticket or 4K Plus. The Sports Plan begins at $64.99, Sports + News at $71.99, Entertainment at $54.99, and a comprehensive News + Entertainment + Family Plan at $69.99.
Completely Customizable Multiview
Once restricted to sports and certain channels, the multiview functionality will now be customizable, enabling users to watch various content types at the same time. This feature will accommodate up to four channels, allowing viewers to enjoy a range of content such as sports, news, and TV shows simultaneously.
ESPN Unlimited is Coming… Eventually
YouTube TV’s new Sports plan will incorporate all ESPN channels, with ESPN Unlimited expected to be added later in the year. Launched in August 2025, ESPN Unlimited merges linear TV and digital content. Although it costs $29.99/month directly from ESPN, YouTube TV might provide a more attractive pricing option.
Design Improvements
Google intends to unify the user experience between YouTube and YouTube TV. A redesign of the application for Android and iOS is in progress, featuring an updated Live Guide section with a sleeker appearance and improved navigation. These enhancements will also apply to smart TVs, Apple’s set-top box, and online platforms.
Significant DVR Enhancement
YouTube TV is implementing a notable DVR upgrade, introducing chapter-style navigation for simpler content access. This feature will enable users to bypass non-essential segments like intros and commercials. Initially available for news programs, this functionality is anticipated to extend to additional content types.
These changes illustrate Google’s dedication to improving YouTube TV by aligning with user preferences and advancements in technology.