They didn't remove it for that reason though.

Why is this comment being downvoted? It does contribute to the discussion.

Because it's completely irrelevant.

The point is that having a webapp allows them to continue to serve users if their actual app is removed from app stores. It has no bearing on how their native app functions, whether it is in native code or a web wrapper etc.

This only applies because Apple runs a walled garden that is anti-user. People running actual computers with non-user-hostile operating systems can install whatever software they like. This is entirely apple's fault.

Websites are not applications. The browser is not an OS.

HN has long since been devolving into Reddit in all but name. You will generally get insta-downvoted if you say something that goes against the current bandwagon or that someone doesn't like to hear/talk about.

not relevant here

just tell mobile users to bookmark the page, on iOS that can make an icon on your home screen

Are "website" and "web app" synonymous?

To me a website can be a static webpage, but a web app's more dynamic

Agreed, I would argue that web app implies function above a website.