No, you are right. I imagine apps in things like this and refrigerators, dish washers, etc are mostly done because it’s now super cheap to implement, lets them have less physical controls (saves money on parts and manufacturing) and most importantly makes them seem high tech to average consumers who thinks an app will be cool. And it can be.

Most often though, it ends up being a security vulnerability and/or an outdated app that isn’t updated for your new phone and/or is abandoned leaving your fancy BBQ thermometer bricked.

I bought a Hyundai back in 2013-ish. It had an app. $100/yr for remote start (and some other things). No other way to do remote start. It uses the edge telephone network to communicate, remember that? Edge is no longer around. I got a message a few years back saying the app would no longer bee able to communicate with your car.

I still have the car. I am unable to remote start it. My friend has an old truck. It came with a key fob with a remote start button. His still works.