TL;DR
The Connectivity Standards Alliance says the Aliro smart‑lock standard has passed final verification and will reach the market in Q1 2026. The first specification standardizes NFC tap‑to‑unlock and UWB hands‑free unlocking, aiming to make digital‑key features cross‑platform between Apple and Android devices.
What happened
The long‑delayed Aliro smart‑lock standard has cleared a final verification milestone and is scheduled to arrive in Q1 2026, the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) told The Verge. Aliro’s initial specification defines how smart locks and digital credentials communicate using NFC for tap‑to‑unlock and ultra‑wideband (UWB) for hands‑free unlocking. The open, cross‑platform protocol was announced in 2023 and has been developed as an industry collaboration that includes major platform and hardware players. The initiative is intended to let trusted smartphones and wearables act as digital keys across brands and platforms, extending capabilities similar to Apple’s Home Key — which already supports NFC tap‑to‑unlock and has added UWB hands‑free unlocking — to a broader range of phones and locks. The Aliro working group includes Apple, Google, Samsung and several lock and chip manufacturers.
Why it matters
- Could enable consistent tap‑to‑unlock and hands‑free unlocking across different phone brands and lock manufacturers.
- May broaden access to digital‑key features currently available only on some platforms, reducing platform lock‑in.
- Standardization can simplify interoperability for smart‑home installers and consumers managing multiple device ecosystems.
- Industry collaboration between platform owners and hardware makers increases chances of wide adoption.
Key facts
- Aliro is an open standard for smart locks and digital keys announced in 2023.
- The first Aliro specification standardizes NFC tap‑to‑unlock and UWB hands‑free unlocking.
- The Connectivity Standards Alliance says Aliro passed its final verification milestone and will come to market in Q1 2026.
- Aliro is designed to let trusted smartphones and wearables act as digital keys with smart locks and readers.
- Major contributors to Aliro include Apple, Google, Samsung, Allegion, Assa Abloy, Qualcomm, and NXP.
- The specification aims to bring features similar to Apple’s Home Key to Android and other platforms.
- Aliro was described by the CSA as a standardized credential and communication protocol.
What to watch next
- Aliro’s arrival in Q1 2026 and initial product announcements from lock makers and phone manufacturers (confirmed in the source).
- Which specific lock models and phone models will support Aliro and their timelines (not confirmed in the source).
- How certification, compatibility testing, and rollout across different smart‑home ecosystems will be managed (not confirmed in the source).
Quick glossary
- NFC (Near Field Communication): A short‑range wireless technology commonly used for contactless payments and tap‑to‑unlock interactions between a phone and a reader.
- UWB (Ultra‑Wideband): A radio technology that enables precise ranging and spatial awareness, used for hands‑free unlocking as a user approaches a device.
- Digital key: A virtual credential stored on a smartphone or wearable that can be used to unlock compatible smart locks.
- Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA): An industry standards organization that develops protocols and specifications for interoperable connected devices.
- Open standard: A publicly available specification intended to be implementable across multiple vendors and platforms to promote interoperability.
Reader FAQ
When will Aliro launch?
The CSA says Aliro has passed final verification and will come to market in Q1 2026.
What capabilities does the first Aliro specification cover?
The initial spec standardizes NFC‑based tap‑to‑unlock and UWB hands‑free unlocking for smart locks.
Which companies are involved in developing Aliro?
Companies involved include Apple, Google, Samsung, Allegion, Assa Abloy, Qualcomm, and NXP, according to the CSA.
Will my current smart lock or phone be compatible?
Not confirmed in the source.
Is Aliro mandatory for smart‑lock makers?
Not confirmed in the source.
NEWS TECH SMART HOME Aliro arrives – the smart lock standard is set to launch this year The cross-platform protocol will bring NFC and UWB unlocking to more smart locks…
Sources
- Aliro arrives – the smart lock standard is set to launch this year
- Aliro Smart Locks: NFC and Ultra Wideband Features
- Why 'Aliro', The New Smart Lock Standard, Matters For The …
- What is the Aliro smart lock standard? .. …
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