Azure Information Protection and the Information Protection Modernization Journey

KartikKopalle As noticed built-in labeling is the way going forward and the AIP add-in is being disabled by default in newer versions, with an alternative to opt out and continue with that. But the AIP add-in is in maintenance mode as of January 1, 2022 meaning no new features will be added to that. And if not using built-in labeling you won't be able to use any of these features either Features supported only by built-in labeling for Office apps 

1) No, not the same experience but you can combine them which is also recommended by Microsoft

 Can AIP and built-in labeling function side-by-side?

2) You must have the current general availability version as they will only be supported within an interval.

Servicing information and timelines

3) Very much yes.

Some clarification from the docs.

”The Azure Information Protection add-in [part of the unified labeling client] is the only component in maintenance mode as of Jan 1, 2022, driven by the modernization effort to make sensitivity labeling and protection built-in to Office applications. All other components within the unified labeling client aren't in maintenance mode and are fully supported.”