The idea for next version is to create a lightweight i18n module that aims to be integrated into Drupal core and then split the rest of the features in some contrib modules. This is already the long term goal of some changes introduced in the 4.7 version, like splitting the translation functionality in its own module.

This core integration will allow for specific hooks in core which should make all the -currently quite complex- logic more straightforward.

However, this will need a complete set of patches for Drupal core that will need a follow up until they are eventually committed.