Yes it has changed. But that just means that the app you’re using is up to date. It is advisable to keep all apps that you use, and the system, up to date. As Yvonne said, your updates are likely set to automatic.
It is possible to update apps already installed with the OS, without a Google account. Open the Play Store app and immediately, tap the three-dot menu top right.
If you want to reduce your association with Google then use apps from F-Droid or elsewhere instead of the app provided with the OS. But if you’re going that far, then you’d likely be interested in this thread or in using a different OS such as Murena, Calyx or Iodé.