Somehow it always seems to be about CONTROL with native. Control of the platform is something _earned_ because the end-user experience is just better.
Apple might look like they are defending their powerful native app position, but how about they just believe its better? They started the iPhone with web app and realized its better for the end user when software is written as extensions to the core OS rather than on top of a browser engine?
With everyone iOS release, they go further down the road and continue to prove to both developers and users (who use the developer's features) that there is more innovation to be had with native, with more endpoints at both the low and high levels. It isn't just about sensors and vibrations and better hardware interfaces. It a better interface with the OS itself. You want the presence of an apps value on your phone but have those things show up in familiar places. This is why you have today screen extensions. I am sure notes extensions, calendar extensions, etc are coming.