6 Access Control Trends Defining 2026

Over the years, the access control industry has experienced significant transformation, and as we move forward into 2026, this evolution shows no signs of slowing down. With emerging challenges and exciting opportunities on the horizon, the intersection of technology, security, and convenience continues to drive the development of access control systems. Let’s have a closer look at the key trends shaping the access control landscape in 2026.

1. Cloud-Native Access is The New Operational Backbone 

Cloud‑based access control systems have become increasingly popular in recent years, transforming the way organisations manage and monitor access. Cloud‑native access control has shifted from a “nice to have” to a “non‑negotiable.”

Organisations with distributed teams, hybrid work models, and multiple locations need systems that can be managed remotely. Administrators can grant or revoke access from anywhere, and automatic updates mean there is no need to patch servers or schedule downtime. New offices, coworking spaces, or warehouses can be onboarded instantly thanks to scalable multi‑site setups.

Cloud infrastructure removes the friction of legacy systems and enables real‑time responsiveness, which is something modern security teams depend on.

2. AI and Machine Learning Are Automating Access Control Like Never Before 

As security and access control technologies advance, companies have the opportunity to streamline their operations. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) play a significant role in enhancing these automation processes already. These technologies enable predictive analytics, anomaly detection, and behaviour-based authentication. AI-driven automation not only optimises operations but also provides real-time insights and quick responses to potential security threats. Security teams can leverage AI to identify where to focus their attention and when, or even let AI take on the role of security management itself.

AI‑powered monitoring is shifting security teams from a reactive approach to a proactive one in 2026. Most teams struggle to keep up with real‑time monitoring, and an estimated 97% of access anomalies, including duplicate logins, badge misuse or off‑hours entry, are only detected after an incident has already taken place. AI‑driven physical security transforms this situation by identifying unusual patterns as they happen

The future of access control is clear. It’s cloud‑native, mobile‑centric and deeply integrated with the digital identity ecosystem.

3. Standardisation is Bringing the Industry Closer Together 

In response to the growing complexity of security ecosystems, there’s a push for interoperability and standardisation among access control solutions. Historically, access control providers have worked independently without unified protocols, creating integration challenges. However, standards are now emerging as a focal point for the industry. The OSS Association is pushing for standardised protocols. Industry players are working towards creating unified standards, ensuring seamless integration between various systems. The goal behind this is to enhance overall efficiency and reduce vulnerabilities. The OSS Standard Offline laid the groundwork, while the OSS Mobile Access Standard presented its first showcase in 2022, marking a significant milestone. These standards reduce vulnerabilities, enhance scalability, and simplify deployment as the industry moves forward. 

According to the ”State of Physical Access Trend Report” Tthe smart building market is projected to grow rapidly, from $96.96 billion in 2023 to over $408 billion by 2030. It’s clear that the move towards open standards has become the key driver for much more converged security solutions, where physical access control data is helping not just to decide who should be allowed into the building, but also how that building is best used. Indeed, with an increase of workers now identifying as hybrid workers, it’s become much more important than ever for businesses to use occupancy data to help shape their business strategy and optimize costs. 

4. Mobile Credentials Are an Established Reality: Your Smarthphone Becomes Your Key 

Smartphones are now the default access credential. With NFC and Bluetooth, users can unlock doors as easily as they tap to pay.

Touchless access (in combination with the use of mobile credentials), emerged as a pivotal trend in access control technology in recent years, gaining considerable traction in public and commercial spaces due to its advantages. Many access control systems now offer mobile apps, such as the Tapkey App, that allow users to securely access facilities and resources using their smartphones or other mobile devices. There has been a tremendous uptick in the popularity of mobile credentials. Research firm IHS Markit has reported that mobile-based credentials are the fastest-growing access control product, with more businesses and homeowners turning to this secure and convenient option.

While physical access cards and key fobs are still widely used, organisations are increasingly shifting toward mobile access control. One of the main drivers behind this transition is operational risk and cost: industry surveys show that a significant proportion of employees report losing or misplacing physical credentials at least once. Each lost credential requires detection, revocation, and replacement processes that are often delayed or incomplete, increasing exposure to unauthorised access.

Mobile credentials reduce this risk by enabling instant revocation, remote lifecycle management, and stronger identity binding to a personal device. In addition to improved security, mobile access can reduce plastic waste and lower the administrative effort associated with issuing and managing physical badges.

Although access cards still play a role in the access control market, we have identified a significant shift towards mobile access control. The fact that people are always with their smartphones helped popularise this trend. Phones aren’t just phones any more. They play a bigger role in day-to-day life, and this also includes access control. They also help reduce plastic waste and the costs associated with printing physical badges. Mobile access is not only convenient but also more secure and more sustainable. Statistics show that 20% of key cards are lost or stolen every year, creating a massive security vulnerability that many organizations don’t detect for weeks. Mobile credentials can be used to authenticate identity and grant entry. This gives greater flexibility, improves privacy, and can also lower the maintenance costs of credential management for end users. 

5. Wearable Technology and Embedded Access Is Changing the Way We Unlock Doors

The landscape of mobile access control is expanding further with the integration of wearable technology. 

What are wearables? Wearables are a class of smart devices that can be worn on the wrist, clipped onto clothing or carried. This includes smart jewellery, such as rings, wristbands, watches, or pins. They work with Bluetooth or Near Field Communication.

Wearable technology offers a fresh and practical solution for everyday challenges by integrating portable electronics into our daily lives. In access control, wearables let users unlock doors simply by waving a watch, wristband, or similar device—eliminating the need to reach for a phone. While wearables continue to grow in popularity, embedding access control into everyday items like clothing or jewellery opens up exciting new possibilities.

These devices enable frictionless, hands‑free authentication—ideal for logistics, healthcare, manufacturing, and any environment where speed and safety matter.

6. Access Control Is Becoming an Embedded Feature, Almost Invisible To The Users

Access control is increasingly becoming an embedded feature within broader digital ecosystems, making it almost invisible to the user. Instead of logging into a dedicated access control app, people interact through coworking platforms, property management systems, mobility apps, and logistics or fleet management tools. This integrated approach allows access to feel natural and contextual, while operators benefit from having fewer systems to manage and a more streamlined user experience.

Access control as a Feature is gaining prominence, where integration into other systems like visitor management or tenant experience apps enhances overall value for end-users. Companies, such as SKEPP, Geneva Ski Storage or Locaboo are already partnering with Tapkey. These systems integrated the Tapkey access technology into their system to automate access and optimise processes.