When you create a Android Virtual Device, you have to select a system image from a list of available images. Some marked Google Play, and some marked Google APIs, so what's the difference?
A system image labeled with Google APIs includes access to Google Play services. A system image labeled with the Google Play logo in the Play Store column includes the Google Play Store app and access to Google Play services.
reference: https://developer.android.com/studio/run/managing-avds#system-image
Including a Google Play tab in the Extended controls dialog that provides a convenient button for updating Google Play services on the device.
