AirPlay 2 might still be a possibility for Apple's AirPort Express in iOS 12

iOS 12 beta has gone beyond just spotting AirPort Express in Home app, adding more weight to speculation that the device will be AirPlay 2 target in the future...  AppleInsider was able to verify the appearance of the 2012 redesign of AirPort Express in Home app in iOS 12 beta. when tapped, the device was not added as HomeKit peripheral — except failed unlike the time around.. After the beta, Home app pops up alert that AirPort Express update is available and needs to be applied. no update is available, and the app fails in the manner as iOS 12 Home app did... The last update to AirPort express was in December 2017, for KRACK exploits from earlier in the year.  AirPlay 2 was not in testing at the time, with AirPort patch happening well and before the abortive second round with iOS 11.3 betas prior to its removal very near the end of the cycle. The prior to KRACK fix to AirPort Express was delivered in December 2016.. This is now the time that AirPort Express has appeared and done nothing when selected. The refinement of the process in iOS 12 is the best sign so far that the peripheral will be added as AirPlay 2 compatible bridge for wired speakers.  Read more