RAIN Alliance to create new standard for RFID tag reading on mass market smartphones

By Sarah Clark • 28 March 2025

The RAIN Alliance is to create a new standard that will enable manufacturers to integrate support for Ultra High Frequency (UHF) tag reading into standard smartphones, making it possible for consumers and enterprises to interact with products containing RFID tags without needing specialist equipment.

The move follows Qualcomm’s announcement that it is working to integrate RAIN functionality into its mobile device chipsets and Zebra’s January launch of an enterprise Android smartphone with built-in RFID tag reading capabilities.

“The integration of RAIN technology into mobile handsets will be a game changer,” says Aileen Ryan, president and CEO of the RAIN Alliance. “Everyone with a RAIN-enabled smartphone will be able to scan tags and interact with connected items, unlocking enhanced in-store customer experiences enabling up-selling, cross-selling and product authentication.

“RAIN in Smartphones will even drive sustainability, as under the Digital Product Passport regulation, consumers in the European Union will be able to access detailed information on a product’s origin, its composition, the manufacturing process and recyclability without need for a second data carrier or the associated costs and complexities.”

“It is critical that the integration of RAIN readers in smartphones is underpinned by standards to ensure interoperability and deliver a consistent user experience,” Ryan adds.

The initiative will be led by Dr Paul Mulle who has joined the Alliance to lead the activities, including the creation of two dedicated RAIN in Smartphones workgroups

“Consumer engagement is the next frontier in retail, luxury and healthcare, and the many other industries where RAIN technology already provides supply chain integrity and visibility,” Muller says.

“As the leader of the RAIN in Smartphones initiative, I intend to leverage the expertise of the RAIN Alliance’s highly competent contributing members and work with handset makers and the wider mobile device ecosystem to make standards-based RAIN Reader integration into smartphones a reality, benefiting businesses and consumers and enabling a more connected, sustainable future.”