It is a bit unknown where Apple is going with the entire AirPort line - on one hand there was a report that they moved most of their staff on that team to other projects, but they continue to sell the AirPorts and they have never been the quickest to deploy new standards.
AirPlay 2 is designed to supersede AirPlay, and all AirPlay (original) devices will continue to be supported regardless of where Apple goes with AirPlay 2.
I realize that. What I'm not sure of is if multi point Airplay playback will be supported on legacy Airplay devices. If I have two separate Airplay speakers that I want to sync up with playing the same audio at the same time I can currently only do that through iTunes on a MacOS computer. Airplay 2 adds synced multi device audio support through iOS devices, which was previously not possible.
I realize my existing Apple TV 4th Gen will be upgraded to Airplay 2 (as will my MBP, iPhone, Apple Watch, etc.). What I'm not sure of is if the current Airport Express will be updated to support Airplay 2. Therefore I am not sure if I would be able to play audio simultaneously through an Apple TV and a Airport Express at the same time through an iOS device if the Airport Express is not upgraded.
Does that dilemma make sense for why I'm waiting to know for sure if the Airport Express will either be upgraded to Airplay 2 or if a new model of the Airport Express with Airplay 2 support is announced?
I guess my confusion is regarding if legacy Airplay 1 devices gain the features of Airplay 2 if the device controlling/sending the audio supports Airplay 2. Otherwise it would be pointless to buy an Airplay receiver/speaker right now, as there is uncertainty if it will support the new features of Airplay 2.
(finding this whole situation confusing/convoluted to explain... haha. I'd love it if Apple released more information on Airplay 2 to clarify potential compatibility issues)
[doublepost=1506470988][/doublepost]Here's a tech analogy explaining my confusion. Just because a blu-ray player is backwards compatible with DVDs doesn't mean a blu-ray player can magically upgrade the context of a DVD to blu-ray HD visual/audio quality.
For Airplay, while I'm aware Airplay 1 devices will work with Airplay 2 devices, what I am confused about is if Airplay 1 devices used with Airplay 2 will be limited to only Airplay 1 features, or if they will be able to take advantage of new Airplay 2 features.