Looks like you're right; they used to not add coatings back in the day, but now they all seem to have them, even if they don't point it out in the product details.
Yeah aluminum is still great, it's actually a lot better than cast iron for heat distribution. Thick aluminum stuff in particular is amazing in my experience. I have an anodized aluminum sauce pan that is a perfect rice cooking pot--it heats up and boils water super fast, retains heat well, and nonstick interior is great for rice. Still looks as nice and clean as the day I bought it 15 years ago too.
