With more than 2 billion active devices worldwide, Android provides great choice and diversity for users and businesses alike. But with so many options available, enterprise IT organizations around the world often ask: “Which Android devices are right for my organization?”

Some of the top concerns we’ve heard from customers include the need for frequent security updates, reliable and consistent software experiences, and simplified device selection. To address these needs, we’re launching the Android Enterprise Recommended program, a Google-led global initiative that raises the bar of excellence for enterprise devices and services.

Validated by Google

Android Enterprise Recommended establishes best practices and common requirements for devices and services, backed by a thorough testing process conducted by Google. Devices in the program meet an elevated set of specifications for hardware, deployment, security updates, and user experience to help organizations handle the most challenging and diverse business environments. In addition, OEMs in the program receive an enhanced level of technical support and training from Google.  

Some of the Android Enterprise Recommended requirements and best practices include:

• Minimum hardware specifications for Android 7.0+ devices

• Support for bulk deployment of Android devices including zero-touch enrollment

• Delivery of Android security updates within 90 days of release from Google, for a minimum of three years

• Availability of unlocked devices, direct from manufacturer or reseller

• Consistent application experience in managed profiles and on managed devices  

• The full list of Android Enterprise Recommended requirements can be found on our site.

With each new Android platform release, we will update the Android Enterprise Recommended program requirements, and continue to raise the bar to ensure we are delivering the best experience for our enterprise customers.

Android Enterprise Recommended devices

We're pleased to announce a number of market-leading devices at launch, including:

• BlackBerry KEYone and Motion

• Google Pixel, Pixel XL, Pixel 2, and Pixel 2 XL

• Huawei Mate 10, Mate 10 Pro, P10, P10 Plus, P10 Lite, and P smart

• LG V30 and G6

• Motorola X4 and Z2

• Nokia 8

• Sony Xperia XZ1, XZ1 Compact, XZ Premium, XA2, and XA2 Ultra
  

You can expect more Android Enterprise Recommended devices to be added in the coming weeks and months. Throughout 2018, we will also be applying the Android Enterprise Recommended framework to additional partner types, including OEMs of “dedicated” and rugged devices, mobile carriers, enterprise mobility management (EMM) providers and systems integrators.

Mobility has been critical to digital transformation for enterprises. We have listened to our customers and partners, and believe that the Android Enterprise Recommended program will help simplify and add confidence to decision making, allowing global IT leaders to focus more on their core business. Together with our partners, we’ll continue to deliver devices and services to make our enterprise customers successful through enterprise mobility. We are excited to announce the start of this journey.

Over the last year, we’ve added a number of new features to Android's modern management modes to enhance security and simplify deployment for IT admins.

Our partners—leaders in the enterprise mobility ecosystem—haven’t been standing still either. We love to support and recognize the great work they’re doing to help customers adopt Android's latest capabilities.

For example, enterprise mobility management (EMM) partner VMware recently announced it’s shifting the default deployment model in the next major release of the VMware AirWatch console to Android enterprise. Customers that use AirWatch to manage their organization’s Android devices will benefit from our modern APIs that support the work profile and device owner mode.

As VMware notes on its blog, admins can trust the work profile to keep company data separate and secure on employees’ devices. Team members can turn off work apps for those times they want some work-life balance, while also gaining the assurance their personal data remains private. For companies that deploy their own devices, VMware and other partners support our strong and flexible tools for management.

We're excited to see partners like VMware help customers embrace the latest Android has to offer. For those interested, VMware has released a walkthrough guide, which is available in VMware TestDrive, that's a good place for customers to get started.

VMware’s transition to Android enterprise is a great example of how one of our partners is embracing the modern APIs and latest capabilities of our secure and flexible platform. We’re looking forward to seeing further innovations from our partners that will accelerate what businesses can accomplish with enterprise mobility.