Aliro 1.0 creates a common layer for mobile access
On February 26, 2026, the Connectivity Standards Alliance announced the release of Aliro 1.0. The specification defines a communication protocol and credential standard for interactions between user devices, such as smartphones and wearables, and access-control devices, including electronic locks and readers.
The Alliance identifies corporate offices, universities, hospitality venues, single-family homes and multi-family housing among the intended application areas. This makes the release directly relevant to smart lock brands and project buyers evaluating mobile credentials across multiple property types.
NFC, Bluetooth LE and UWB support different entry experiences
According to the official announcement, Aliro supports NFC for tap-to-access, Bluetooth Low Energy for user-initiated communication, and Bluetooth LE with Ultra-Wideband for secured hands-free authentication. These transports address different door, reader and user-experience requirements.
A buyer should not treat protocol support as a label alone. Product planning still needs to confirm reader hardware, antenna design, secure elements, credential lifecycle, phone ecosystem support, power consumption and the intended fallback method.
Certification and ecosystem coordination matter
Aliro 1.0 includes a certification program and test suites managed through authorized test laboratories. The Alliance also announced alignment with major mobile wallet ecosystems, creating a more structured route toward interoperable credentials.
For OEM and ODM smart lock projects, this means certification scope, silicon selection, firmware responsibility and wallet integration should be discussed early. A conventional Bluetooth app lock should not be represented as Aliro-compatible without confirmed implementation and certification evidence.
Official source and buyer takeaway
Official source: Connectivity Standards Alliance, “Introducing Aliro 1.0: A Unified Standard to Transform the Access Control Ecosystem,” published February 26, 2026. View the official source cited for this article
Buyer takeaway: define the required credential experience first, then verify hardware, ecosystem, certification and lifecycle responsibilities before selecting an Aliro-oriented smart lock development path.