Brain implant lets paralyzed patients control Apple devices with thoughts
A groundbreaking new brain implant developed by Synchron, an endovascular brain-computer interface (BCI) company based in New York, is revolutionizing the way people interact with Apple devices. This innovative technology allows users to control Apple products such as iPads, iPhones, and the Apple Vision Pro using only their thoughts. Ten patients, six in the U.S. and four in Australia, have already received the implant, enabling them to navigate apps, send messages, and operate devices hands-free.
Synchron’s advancement in BCI technology represents a significant leap forward for assistive devices, offering increased independence and autonomy for individuals with severe paralysis. By allowing users to manage their environment, stream shows, and control smart home devices using only their minds, this breakthrough technology is changing the way we think about accessibility.
The implant is the first of its kind to connect directly to Apple devices using Apple’s official BCI Human Interface Device (HID) protocol. This seamless integration eliminates the need for custom hacks or workarounds, making the system easy to use and compatible with a wide range of Apple products. Machine learning models decode brain signals in real-time, translating them into digital commands that allow users like ALS patient Mark Jackson to navigate their devices with precision.
One of the key features of Synchron’s system is the built-in signal strength meter, which provides users with real-time feedback on the strength of their brain signals. This visual cue helps users fine-tune their mental focus, improve their interaction with the device, and enhance their overall user experience. By offering a hands-free, voice-free operation, Synchron’s implant is setting a new standard for assistive technology.
As Apple continues to embrace BCI as a legitimate input method, the possibilities for this technology are endless. What began as a medical tool undergoing trials could one day become a consumer product available at your local Apple Store. This opens the door for a future where everything from your phone to your smart home could be controlled by thought, offering new levels of accessibility, customization, and interaction with technology.
Synchron’s Apple demo marks a new era in brain-computer interaction, bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and mainstream accessibility. While the technology is still in its early stages, the potential for BCI to transform the way we interact with technology is clear. Would you trust your brain to control your devices? The future of brain-computer interfaces is here, and Apple is leading the way.
