I am not under the impression that it's a honest mistake. What I think had happen is that someone involved in the Files app let it happen, then boosted about the spectacular adoption rates of the app in their presentations.

The Apple's statement is technically correct as it could be interpreted about what's the current situation or what is their company policy. It doesn't say it never happen.

Think of it like the "muslims don't eat pork" statement. Although the general policy is that muslims don't eat pork, there are clear exceptions where they can eat pork(when no other food is available and they starve). Also, there are muslims that simply love prosciutto and they sin.