The former sounds like what they're saying; AOL has got a mobile app, but I'm not aware of a desktop app.
AFIK AOL has never had a mobile app, but they do have a webmail client you can access via Safari or any other web browser. Their answer does fit with AOL's historical practices and security workarounds over the years, running up against stricter European security regulations or perhaps a more stringent interpretation and implementation of those regulations.
The adage, "Friends don't let friends use AOL" rings a bell from my past memory. I thought AOL had gotten past that, but maybe not.
