Google is expanding its Android Enterprise Recommended program to include the Samsung Galaxy Note 20 series, the Galaxy S20 series, the Galaxy Tab S7 and Tab S7+, ruggedized devices like the XCover Pro, and other Samsung Galaxy devices running Android 11 and above. Samsung joins more than 30 global partners already enrolled in the program.

In an announcement on Tuesday, Samsung pointed to its decade-long relationship with Google as a reason for joining Android Enterprise Recommended. “Samsung is committed to helping our enterprise customers modernize their business for the digital age with an industry-leading offering that includes customizable hardware, easy-to-manage software, and end-to-end security,” said KC Choi, EVP and Head of Global Mobile B2B Team at Samsung.

Google’s program is designed to make it easy for enterprise businesses to deploy and integrate mobile solutions into their operations. Businesses can rest assured that Samsung’s devices meet the requirements set forth by Google now that the company is in the program. “Samsung’s participation in the program ensures Google’s customers have access to devices that offer outstanding security, efficiency, and productivity and we look forward to working together more in the future,” said David Still, Managing Director of Android Enterprise, Google.

Samsung has a long history of targeting the enterprise markets, previously introducing Galaxy Enterprise Editions and developing security solutions like Samsung Knox Suite. The Samsung software offers advanced security features such as dual-layered Data-At-Rest encryption and the ability for IT administrators to tailor or configure devices to a business’s needs.

“By joining the Android Enterprise Recommended program, we are making it even easier for enterprise customers to build a mobile experience that protects employees, keeps them engaged and enhances operational efficiency by meeting and exceeding Google’s standards for security, productivity and flexibility,” Choi said.

Google recently updated the Android Enterprise Recommended website to show how long devices are supported for, following rumors that Google is relaxing security update requirements for devices running Android 11 to join the Android Enterprise Recommended program. Today, Google confirmed that they've updated the program's requirements for devices running the latest Android OS version. The Enterprise Solutions Directory now includes information such as the last date of security updates from OEMs, the Android release running on the device when it was first validated, the regional availability of devices, and whether the device meets any critical industry certifications, such as Common Criteria or ioXt.

Samsung's decision to join the program highlights the company's growing commitment to delivering security updates to its devices, which is evidenced by the fact that years-old devices are still being supported. According to Samsung, One UI 3.0 will launch in November, and it'll presumably roll out first for the Galaxy S20 series followed by the Galaxy Note 20 and Galaxy Tab S7 series.