u-blox Unveils Alma-W1 Wi-Fi Module
The low-power module targets size- and power-constrained IoT devices and supports Wi-Fi 6 and 6E alongside Bluetooth LE and 802.15.4.
Updated on Nov. 3, 2026 in Consumer Electronics
u-blox has unveiled the Alma-W1 Wi-Fi module for power- and size-constrained Internet of Things devices. The company has begun providing initial samples to a small group of customers.
Why it matters
The module is designed for developers who need wireless connectivity without a ground-up design approach, reflecting growing demand for low-power wireless products. Its neural processing unit is intended to reduce latency and support AI applications on constrained hardware.
The Alma-W1 range supports Wi-Fi 6 and 6E, Bluetooth LE and 802.15.4 radios, and uses Nordic Semiconductor's nRF7120 and nRF7120E SoCs. Quantitative power, latency and pricing figures have not been published.
The players
u-blox
u-blox is a Swiss wireless communication and positioning technology company known for supplying modules and chips to Internet of Things and automotive markets.
Nordic Semiconductor
Nordic Semiconductor is a Norwegian fabless semiconductor company that specializes in low-power wireless system-on-chip designs for Bluetooth and other short-range protocols.
The details
The Alma-W1 range offers multiple configuration options and includes a neural processing unit to minimize latency and enable AI applications. u-blox is expanding its sample program to a small group of customers before broader release.
Timeline
November 3, 2026: u-blox unveils the Alma-W1 Wi-Fi module.
The Tech Race
The Alma-W1 places u-blox in a market where chipmakers are pushing Wi-Fi 6 and 6E into small, battery-powered devices previously limited to older low-power protocols. Its combination of multiple radio standards and an on-module neural processing unit positions it against rival IoT module suppliers.
For device makers, the Alma-W1 offers a pre-integrated path to Wi-Fi 6 and 6E connectivity without designing radio hardware from scratch. End users of smart home, healthcare and industrial IoT devices may see these capabilities appear in future products as sample programs move toward volume production.
The takeaway
Developers building low-power connected products should watch for Alma-W1 availability and its power-consumption specifications, which will determine whether it fits their designs. Early sample access is limited, so timelines for broader supply remain to be confirmed.
Further reading
Explore more Consumer Electronics coverage on the latest wireless chips and connected devices.
