When updating an Android app does the APK need to be named the same as the original?

Question

I'm updating my app and I just wanted to know if the apk needs to be named the same as the original one that I uploaded. I'm pretty sure the answer is 'No', but just wanted to check as I can't find an explicit answer anywhere.

Answer 1

The only things that must match the original app are the package name and the signing keystore. Other than that, you can change anything you want, including the name of the apk file (Google Play will rename it on its servers anyways).

You will also need to increment the version code (the version name may stay the same)