6 ways Android Enterprise is evolving for the modern workforce

by · Google

Modern workplaces need both innovation and security. Employees need access to the best hardware and software, and IT needs to keep company data safe.

With that in mind, Android continues to introduce new tools for workers, all backed by the management and security features of Android Enterprise.

Here’s what you can expect from Android Enterprise in 2026.

1. Advanced AI agents and controls

Smarter workflows marry the next generation of AI agents with enterprise-grade controls.

  • Contextual automation: Gemini has evolved to handle complex, multi-step workflows across applications using real-time on-screen context, eliminating the need for manual app switching. Gemini can sort through the user's calendar, emails, browser, and more to find information and execute various tasks.
  • Work profile separation: Built-in safeguards that strictly respect work profile isolation prevent personal agents from accessing corporate apps and data.
  • Granular IT control: Administrators can easily configure, restrict, or disable AI automation fleet-wide using our Android Enterprise management policies.

2. Next-gen manageable XR devices

Introduce new cutting-edge hardware to your workforce with the XREAL Aura wired glasses.

  • Unified hardware management: IT administrators can manage and secure diverse XR devices — from immersive headsets like the Samsung Galaxy XR to XR wired glasses like the XREAL Aura (coming in Q4) — alongside standard mobile fleets via Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) consoles powered by the Android Management API.
  • Hands-free productivity: Workers will gain access to discreet heads-up displays, integrated audio, and AI assistance, while staying fully integrated with enterprise tools.

3. Flexible workstations

Bring mobile productivity to the big screen while keeping your corporate data safe.

  • Desktop mode: Supported Android devices can extend to external monitors to deliver a dedicated multi-window desktop powered by a keyboard and mouse.
  • Seamless multitasking: Users can run independent apps between their Android device and external displays, smoothly dragging and arranging windows across screens.
  • Continuous management: Mobile security and IT management policies will remain fully enforced while devices are tethered to external displays.

4. Safe file sharing

Share business-critical files quickly and securely.

  • Frictionless transfers: An updated tap to share integration for Quick Share enables the secure and rapid transfer of contacts, media, and business documents.
  • Data protection: Administrative restrictions and work profile boundaries are strictly enforced to prevent accidental data leaks and keep corporate information protected.

5. More control over updates

Take the guesswork out of system updates.

  • Centralized framework: Unified Update Controls consolidates fragmented update channels (OEM OTA, Google Play system updates (Mainline), and Google Play system services) into a single predictable system.
  • Flexible deployment policies: Administrators can set granular rules to manage updates during peak operational hours or critical business freeze windows.
  • Enhanced visibility: The Feedback API provides telemetry to replace opaque rollout processes, launching alongside Unified Update Controls later this year.

6. Stronger privacy and security

Protect corporate data from the ground up with new layers of hardware and software security.

  • Cryptographic identity: Attestable Identifiers (releasing later this year) will allow EMMs and security partners to cryptographically verify hardware identity for reliable zero-trust access.
  • Patch visibility: Deterministic reporting on the Available Security Patch Level gives admins exact insights into patch eligibility, strengthening conditional access and fleet hygiene.
  • Local network protection: Apps must request explicit user permission before interacting with local network devices to prevent unauthorized scanning. IT admins are able to pre-grant approvals via the Android Management API.
  • Certificate transparency for network security: Digital certificates are logged and checked against public ledgers, adding a robust layer of protection against man-in-the-middle attacks across standard and kiosk devices.

These are just a few of the Android Enterprise features we highlighted at Enterprise Summit. For more information on the event and other platform and device announcements, check out the blog. For more information on Android devices and EMM providers, check out the all-new Solutions Directory.

Many of the features mentioned above have been shaped by our community. Share your thoughts on these updates in our Customer Community.

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