The Apple TV 2021 release date may finally be set. Apple's rumored March event is expected to unveil an updated streaming box with a new A-series chipset and (hopefully) a new, easier-to-use Apple TV remote control.

The Apple TV 2021 will likely be the same hardware as the Apple TV 4K, will run on tvOS14 released last fall, and will introduce picture-in-picture mode, multi-user support for games, and HomeKit improvements.

Everything else we know about the Apple TV 2021 follows.

Apple TV 4K launched in September 2017, so it's been quite a while since Apple launched a new streaming box.

According to Apple leaker Jon Prosser, the Apple TV 2021 is one of the "ready to go" products that will be introduced at the March 23 Apple event:

Whether Apple TV 2021 means ready to ship or just ready to launch is Apple TV users may be able to purchase the new device as early as this spring, or they may have to wait until the end of the year.

The current Apple TV 4K starts at $179, which is expensive for a comparable streaming device. For example, the Roku Ultra, which supports 4K HDR content and comes with a voice remote control, costs $99. The Amazon Fire TV Cube, which also has Alexa built in and can control a cable box, is $119. Hopefully Apple will drop the price of the Apple TV 2020.

In terms of what will change with Apple TV 2021, gaming may be more important than streaming. The rumors we first saw pointed to an overdue speed-up update to accommodate a new processor. According to indications, it could be either Apple's A12 or A13 Bionic chips. To put that in perspective, the latest Apple TVs use A10 Fusion chip technology, which has been around since its debut in 2016 with the iPhone 7.

This upgrade is probably because the Apple TV is one of the Apple Arcade platforms, as the current processor is fast enough to binge watch Apple TV Plus shows, Netfix marathons, and other live TV apps, It is likely intended to bring even more gaming performance to this box.

The latest rumor, which 9to5Mac pulled from a prominent YouTuber, is that the Apple TV 2021 will be available in 64GB and 128GB capacities, double the 32GB and 64GB drives of the Apple TV 4K. Again, this is most likely for gaming, allowing users to store a larger library of titles on the Apple TV and play more complex games.

We would like to see a new Apple TV remote control that does not rely on the touchpad for navigation. And leaked iOS 14 code suggests that a new Apple TV remote control is on the way. However, it is not known if the new remote control for the Apple TV 2021 will change the input method.

Last fall's tvOS 14 update added or extended several features to the platform that drives the Apple TV. The update includes:

A new control center for HomeKit accessories: similar to those available in iOS and iPad OS.

Multi-user support for AppleArcade: Switch between users to resume game progress or view another user's game progress, achievements, and friends.

Support for more game controllers: including Xbox Elite 2 and Xbox adaptive controller.

Picture-in-picture mode. Watch the news while using fitness apps; see who's ringing your HomeKit-enabled doorbell. Plus, now you can check out 4K video from your phone or iPad via AirPlay.