Apple and neurotechnology startup Synchron just dropped a game-changer. Their new brain-computer interface (BCI) lets users control iPhones, iPads, and Vision Pro headsets using only their thoughts. This breakthrough targets people with severe disabilities, like ALS, who struggle with mobility. It’s a bold leap in accessibility tech.
Synchron’s Stentrode implant powers this innovation. Doctors insert it through the jugular vein, avoiding invasive brain surgery. The device sits in a blood vessel above the brain’s motor cortex. Its 16 electrodes detect brain signals tied to movement intent. These signals translate into digital commands, letting users navigate Apple devices hands-free. Synchron has implanted the device in 10 patients since 2019, with FDA approval for trials.
Real-world applications show the tech’s potential to transform lives
Mark Jackson, a 64-year-old ALS patient, already uses the tech. He controls his iPhone, iPad, and Vision Pro with his mind. Jackson plays Solitaire, watches Apple TV, and sends texts without lifting a finger. Another patient, Rodney, uses his implant to text, feed his dog, and even start a Roomba. These real-world applications show the tech’s potential to transform lives.
Apple integrates this BCI with its Switch Control accessibility framework. This feature already supports joysticks and adaptive devices. By late 2025, Apple plans to roll out a new standard for BCI devices. The company aims to make thought-controlled devices as seamless as its “Made for iPhone” hearing aids. Synchron’s CEO, Tom Oxley, calls it a “defining moment” for human-device interaction.
Unlike Neuralink’s skull-drilling approach, Synchron’s method is less invasive. It uses blood vessels to access the brain, reducing risks. The FDA labels Synchron’s BCI a “breakthrough device,” fast-tracking its path to market. Apple’s support could make this tech mainstream, reaching billions of users.
This collaboration sparks excitement online. X posts buzz with praise for the accessibility leap. Users with mobility issues could soon work remotely, join virtual events, or enjoy VR experiences. Still, challenges remain—cost, ease of use, and further trials will dictate adoption. Apple and Synchron are rewriting how we interact with tech, one thought at a time.
