What happens to the .apk after downloading and installing from Google Play Store or Amazon

[patman329]

Often I'll see a program that I would like to check out. If I download it from the Play Store or Amazon on my phone (a Samsung GS3), I get an .apk file. What happens if I install them vs. what happens when I decide to install them on a different device, but still download them on my phone? Does the installation package take up permanent space on the phone or tablet or does it just add it to the cloud? What happens after you uninstall a program? Does the installation package get removed from the device or does it live forever (I doubt this)? Short of doing a factory reset, is there a way to reclaim the space that might be taken up by downloading a new program?

Thanks,
Pat

 

[Gekko]

the apk takes storage space on the device (or on the SD Card if desired/capable). if you uninstall it that space frees up.

see Settings--->Storage.