Apple is making a bold entry into the rapidly advancing world of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), working in partnership with U.S.-based startup Synchron to develop a new standard that may one day allow users to control devices such as iPhones, iPads, and the Vision Pro headset using only their thoughts. As reported by The Wall Street Journal, the initiative is part of Apple’s broader commitment to accessibility and represents a significant step forward in human-device interaction.
A Less Invasive Path to Brain-Controlled Technology
At the core of this initiative is the Stentrode, a minimally invasive device developed by Synchron. Unlike Neuralink’s N1 implant—which embeds more than 1,000 electrodes directly into brain tissue—the Stentrode is inserted into a vein near the brain’s motor cortex. Once positioned, it uses 16 electrodes to detect neural signals and convert them into digital commands.
This technology integrates with Apple’s Switch Control, a key feature in its accessibility suite that traditionally supports input through physical switches or head movements. Now, it can interpret neural signals directly, allowing users to perform basic navigation tasks across Apple’s operating systems without any physical movement.
One early adopter, Mark Jackson—an individual living with ALS near Pittsburgh—has reportedly used the system to control his iPhone and iPad, and even explore virtual landscapes such as the Swiss Alps through Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Despite being physically immobile, Jackson described experiencing the sensation of standing on a mountaintop, thanks to synchronized neural feedback and immersive mixed reality.
New Software Standard to Launch in 2025
Historically, BCI developers have had to simulate standard mouse or keyboard inputs to interface with software. Apple’s upcoming native BCI software standard, expected later this year, will change that. It will provide developers with a streamlined, integrated platform to build apps that respond directly to brain signals—enhancing responsiveness and reducing latency.
The initiative mirrors Apple’s earlier success in setting industry benchmarks for accessibility, such as its 2014 framework for Bluetooth-enabled hearing aids, now widely adopted across the sector. A similar approach to BCIs could standardize development practices and encourage broader industry adoption.
Synchron and Neuralink: Diverging Paths in BCI Development
Apple’s partnership with Synchron reflects a pragmatic and accessibility-driven approach, in contrast to Elon Musk’s Neuralink, which is pursuing more ambitious goals including cognitive enhancement. Neuralink’s system offers higher resolution and faster response due to its deeply embedded design, with Musk claiming that a human trial participant was able to move a cursor faster than most can with a mouse.
While Neuralink is targeting the broader potential of BCIs—including memory enhancement and general-purpose computing—Synchron and Apple are focused on delivering real-world benefits to individuals with motor impairments.
Outlook and Industry Implications
According to Morgan Stanley, approximately 150,000 Americans with severe upper-limb impairments may be among the first to benefit from commercial BCI systems. The firm projects possible FDA approval by 2030, although Synchron CEO Tom Oxley suggests the timeline could be shorter.
While both Apple’s and Neuralink’s technologies are still in early development—with current control speeds slower than traditional input methods—the involvement of a major consumer tech company like Apple marks a pivotal moment for the field. By establishing foundational standards and prioritizing real-world usability, Apple could help move BCIs from experimental labs into everyday life, reshaping how people interact with technology—through thought alone.
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