I really hope they will have an 802.11ax version once they iron out all the crap that is going on in there.
I have an AirPort Extreme, and while I'm not opposed to having Apple devices, I also don't exclusively buy from them, but rather what I deem to be the best product for my purposes at the time of purchase. That currently means an iPhone, an iPad, and a Dell laptop running Linux, but has in the past included both Apple laptops and Android phones and tablets. Because of my choice of router, I need to make sure that I always have at least one Apple device, preferably as a main device for convenience (because running a server means I need to mess with ports now and then).
A simple web interface would've solved this. They could still have their own app to make it just as user friendly for people who don't have an Apple device immediately at hand.
I will likely never buy a Mac again becauss I absolutely need Linux, and they're making their Macs worse and worse for Linux. I plan to eventually replace my need for a tablet with one of those Dell XPS convertible machines with a touch screen. That means there will come a time when I need to choose between letting the router be a factor in what phone I buy, or get a new, non-Apple router, and that kinda sucks.
Besides, the only system I have with Windows is my gaming desktop, and that's only runnin Windows because there's a couple of games I play which don't support Linux. My laptop runs Linux, and while it's not running Overwatch, my gaming desktop is running Linux.
I think a more likely solution is to just keep an iOS device around while router is in use.
2. The correct report was Router team folded into Apple TV team. Sounds like Apple TV adding router function to me.
3. Apple is still selling Airport, and stocks level are still very healthy. i.e No signs or discontinue.