Apple has introduced a brain-computer interface (BCI) system that allows users to control iPhones, iPads, and other devices using only their thoughts. The technology, demonstrated in a recent video by Synchron, a neurotechnology company, showcases a user navigating an iPad through mental commands, marking a new frontier in human-device interaction.
The system, integrated into iOS 26, iPadOS 26, and other Apple operating systems, leverages Synchron’s Stentrode implant, a device inserted into the brain’s motor cortex via a minimally invasive procedure through the jugular vein. The implant, equipped with electrodes, captures neural signals and translates them into actions on Apple devices, such as opening apps, navigating menus, or typing messages. This development builds on Apple’s long-standing commitment to accessibility, aiming to empower users with physical limitations, such as those with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
In the demonstration, Mark Jackson, an ALS patient and participant in Synchron’s FDA-approved COMMAND study, uses the BCI to interact with his iPad. Without physical input, he selects apps and composes text, showcasing the potential of the Stentrode system combined with Apple’s new BCI Human Interface Device (HID) protocol. The protocol enables seamless integration between the implant’s neural signals and Apple’s ecosystem, offering a native, thought-driven user experience.
Synchron, which has implanted the Stentrode in 10 patients as of May, describes the procedure as a breakthrough in accessibility. Unlike traditional BCIs that require invasive brain surgery, the Stentrode’s endovascular approach reduces risks and broadens potential adoption. Apple’s collaboration with Synchron underscores its push to make cutting-edge accessibility tools available across its product lineup, including Macs and the Apple Vision Pro.
The technology, still in its early stages, raises questions about privacy, security, and the ethical implications of brain-computer interfaces. Apple has not yet detailed how it will address these concerns, but the company’s track record in user privacy suggests robust safeguards will be a priority. For now, the focus remains on the transformative potential for individuals with severe motor impairments.
This innovation arrives as part of Apple’s broader accessibility efforts, which include features like Voice Control and eye-tracking navigation. By integrating BCI technology, Apple is not only redefining how users interact with its devices but also setting a precedent for the future of assistive technology. As trials continue and the technology matures, it could reshape the lives of millions, offering newfound independence through the power of thought.
