Apple is stepping into the world of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), with the goal of enabling users to control devices like iPhones and iPads using brain signals. In collaboration with U.S.-based company Synchron, Apple is exploring the integration of BCIs through an innovative device called the Stentrode.
This implant, placed in a vein near the motor cortex, captures neural activity and converts it into digital instructions. This breakthrough could vastly improve accessibility for individuals with severe motor impairments, such as ALS or spinal cord injuries. (Source: WSJ)
In contrast to Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which places over 1,000 electrodes directly into the brain, Synchron’s approach is far less invasive. The Stentrode is inserted via the bloodstream near the motor cortex and uses 16 electrodes to interpret brain activity into actionable commands.
A notable example is ALS patient Mark Jackson from Pittsburgh, who has used this system to operate his iPhone and iPad. He even explored virtual locations like the Swiss Alps through Apple’s Vision Pro headset.
Despite being physically immobile, Jackson described the virtual mountaintop experience as feeling real due to neural feedback and the mixed-reality interface.
So far, BCI systems have mimicked traditional inputs like a mouse or keyboard. Apple is expected to introduce a new software framework later this year that will natively support brain signal inputs. This will simplify development and offer smoother, faster interaction for users with neural-controlled devices.
Elon Musk’s Neuralink is taking a more high-tech route with its N1 chip, already tested in three human participants. This device features over 1,000 electrodes embedded in brain tissue, enabling more accurate and rapid control. Musk claims one of the test subjects can control a digital cursor more efficiently than a typical user with a mouse.
As per The Wall Street Journal, Morgan Stanley projects that approximately 150,000 Americans with major upper-limb disabilities could benefit from commercial BCIs. The investment firm expects FDA approval for such devices by 2030, though Synchron CEO Tom Oxley believes it could happen sooner.
Apple’s venture into brain-computer interface (BCI) technology marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of human-device interaction. Through its partnership with Synchron, Apple is developing a less invasive, thought-controlled system that integrates seamlessly with existing iOS features like Switch Control.
This groundbreaking initiative holds transformative potential for individuals with severe physical disabilities, offering them new ways to engage with digital environments. Success stories like that of ALS patient Mark Jackson illustrate the real-world impact this technology can have, from controlling everyday devices to experiencing immersive virtual landscapes through Vision Pro.
While Neuralink continues to push boundaries with high-precision implants, Apple’s focus on accessibility and practicality ensures a more inclusive approach. With the introduction of a BCI software standard expected soon, Apple is paving the way for developers to build apps powered by neural signals. Although mainstream adoption may still be years away, Apple’s involvement accelerates progress in the field of mind-controlled technology.