It is important to note that . The store is designed to automatically update itself to the latest and most secure version.

Tap the (three horizontal lines) or your profile icon in the top corner. Open Settings . Tap on Auto-update apps . Select Don't auto-update apps and tap Done .

Downloading system files from untrusted websites puts your phone at risk of malware. Always use reputable, community-vetted APK hosting platforms that verify the cryptographic signatures of the files to ensure they haven't been tampered with.

are you experiencing with the current Play Store (e.g., crashing, freezing, storage issues)?

However, I cannot find a specific paper targeting exactly, as that is likely an arbitrary version number. Instead, below are highly relevant, useful papers and technical resources that examine:

Some newer features—such as Google Play Protect, Google Play Pass, or advanced subscription management—might not function correctly in older app versions. Summary: Is It Right for You?