Another factor is the removal of specific features or content. In the world of media streaming and utility apps, updates sometimes involve the removal of certain functionalities due to licensing changes or new platform policies. For many users, a version of an app that still contains a favorite feature is worth more than a version that is "up to date" but hollowed out. This has created a secondary market of "archive" sites—like the ones mentioned in your query—that host historical versions of apps for those who wish to bypass the restrictions of modern updates.
You want a formal essay written about the phenomenon of people seeking older versions of this specific app, perhaps focusing on its history or the technical reasons for "downgrading" software. Another factor is the removal of specific features
The Digital Nostalgia: Understanding the Demand for Legacy APKs This has created a secondary market of "archive"