This is just wrong. Apple disallows apps that duplicate existing functionality, i.e. browsers. You can write whatever wack headless browser you want, and there are tons of frameworks for this exact purpose, too: All manner of methods to do network things without invoking Safari.
This is a jawbreaker of hyperbole around a chewy gum center of truth.
This is a jawbreaker of hyperbole around a chewy gum center of truth.