The long-awaited smart lock standard, Aliro, is finally set to launch this year. The first specification, which standardizes NFC-based tap-to-unlock and UWB hands-free unlocking for smart locks, has been completed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA). According to Nelson Henry, Chair of the Aliro Steering Committee, "We're delighted to share that Aliro, the CSA's standardized credential and communication protocol... has passed its final verification milestone and will come to market in Q1 2026."
The Aliro standard is an industry-wide collaboration, developed by Apple, Google, and Samsung, along with lock makers and chip makers. It provides a standardized way for smart locks to communicate with smartphones and watches, regardless of manufacturer or platform. With Aliro, users can use their own device as a digital key to unlock their door using NFC, Bluetooth LE, or UWB protocols.
The benefits of Aliro are that it provides direct, secure communication between a phone or wearable and the lock, without the need for cloud storage or apps. This means that credentials are stored on the user's device, and communication between the device and the lock uses asymmetric encryption. As a result, Aliro will work even when your phone is offline or doesn't have service, like a regular key.
Aliro-certified locks will use one or more communications options to unlock a compatible door, including NFC for tap-to-unlock and UWB for hands-free unlocking as you approach the door with your phone in your bag or pocket. Several lock manufacturers have announced they plan to support Aliro, including Schlage, Kwikset, X-Things/U-Tec, Level, and Nuki.
While existing models may not be upgradeable to Aliro due to compatibility issues with radios and antennas, the CSA believes that its progress over the last two years has set it up for fast, wide adoption. With Aliro finally launching this year, smart locks with Aliro support are expected to arrive soon, bringing more flexibility and convenience to users.
The Aliro standard is an industry-wide collaboration, developed by Apple, Google, and Samsung, along with lock makers and chip makers. It provides a standardized way for smart locks to communicate with smartphones and watches, regardless of manufacturer or platform. With Aliro, users can use their own device as a digital key to unlock their door using NFC, Bluetooth LE, or UWB protocols.
The benefits of Aliro are that it provides direct, secure communication between a phone or wearable and the lock, without the need for cloud storage or apps. This means that credentials are stored on the user's device, and communication between the device and the lock uses asymmetric encryption. As a result, Aliro will work even when your phone is offline or doesn't have service, like a regular key.
Aliro-certified locks will use one or more communications options to unlock a compatible door, including NFC for tap-to-unlock and UWB for hands-free unlocking as you approach the door with your phone in your bag or pocket. Several lock manufacturers have announced they plan to support Aliro, including Schlage, Kwikset, X-Things/U-Tec, Level, and Nuki.
While existing models may not be upgradeable to Aliro due to compatibility issues with radios and antennas, the CSA believes that its progress over the last two years has set it up for fast, wide adoption. With Aliro finally launching this year, smart locks with Aliro support are expected to arrive soon, bringing more flexibility and convenience to users.