It's not about the money, it's about time.

Requiring an app to do things often is more time consuming (and unpleasant) than doing it without the app. Other times, the app is so poorly written that it's not worth using.

Once the novelty of "the new toy" (smartphone) wears off, using a smartphone when it's not needed becomes a burden.

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For example, in the case of restaurants, I do not want to pull out my phone when I am having a conversation with people, therefore, I am greatly insulted when a restaurant requires a QR code to see a menu. I flat out ask for a menu, it's part of the joy of eating out.

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Edit: I can certainly understand the need to tell someone, "get with the program, get a smart phone." Back when they were getting popular in the US, a stranger asked me for directions on a busy street. I told her where to go, but she "clung" to me and wanted me to show her. This was when I point blank told her that it's time to get a smartphone.