Download the latest version from a trusted source like APKMirror .
Google is moving away from APKs on the Play Store - The Verge Google.apk
Is the APK Era Ending? Google’s Move to App Bundles Body: Google is officially moving away from the standard APK format for new apps in favor of Android App Bundles (.aab) . Download the latest version from a trusted source
Best for: Discussing recent changes in how Android handles apps. Google.apk
Sideloading is becoming slightly more complex for power users.
While your phone still installs the app, the "Google.apk" you see on the Play Store is now a custom-generated file optimized specifically for your device's hardware. The Benefit: Smaller download sizes and faster updates.