In what sense? There isn't a better alternative to package a web app as native, or there isn't a better alternative to writing Electron apps? I think many would argue native dev is a better alternative.
What I meant is that somehow companies released native applications for a multitude of operating systems in years past. Internet Explorer on Solaris, Windows, MacOS. Photoshop and AutoCAD on IRIX, Windows, MacOS. Netscape Navigator on anything with a screen and a keyboard. That's just the stuff I used off the top of my head.