As far as I know, you are still unable to obtain grookey and scorbunny in-game aside from starter selection choice.
As for applin, I'm pretty sure (someone can correct me on this) but it is obtainable from headbutting a tree during a kristiline help quest (lighthouse quest). It's on a small island that you have to surf to and there's a zygarde cell + an overworld kingler there. You need surf and rock climb for this, you get here by rock climbing in Jirukala Cavern.
Oh, and dreepy's not obtainable yet in-game as well.