Keys are Dead: The Aliro Smart Lock Standard Launches in Q1 2026

Fumbling for your keys is about to become a thing of the past. The Connectivity Standards Alliance (CSA) has announced that the long-awaited Aliro smart lock standard has cleared its final verification hurdle and is set for a market debut in Q1 2026.

What the Aliro Smart Lock Standard Means for Your Home

According to reports from The Verge, the first iteration of the Aliro specification will standardize two primary unlocking methods: NFC-based tap-to-unlock and Ultra-Wideband (UWB) hands-free access. This means your smartphone or smartwatch will function as a universal digital key, regardless of the brand of lock or device.

Nelson Henry, Chair of the Aliro Steering Committee, stated that the goal is to create a seamless experience where trusted devices can unlock smart locks and readers at home, in the office, or at any badged entry point. The protocol ensures that communication between the credential and the lock is uniform across the industry.

Breaking the Fragmentation Barrier

For years, the smart home market has suffered from fragmented ecosystems. With Aliro, the CSA aims to do for locks what Matter did for general IoT devices—ensure interoperability. Consumers won't have to worry if their next phone will work with their current front door lock.