Apple ventures into brain-computer interfaces, teams up with Synchron - WSJ

Investing.com -- Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) is stepping into the realm of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), a move that could potentially change the way we interact with our devices. The tech giant is collaborating with Synchron, a pioneer in the field, to develop technology that allows users to control their iPhones directly with their thoughts, according to a report from the Wall Street Journal. 

Apple is in the early stages of creating technology that translates neural signals into actions on an iPhone. This technology, which involves advanced brain implants, could provide individuals with severe spinal cord injuries or conditions like ALS with unparalleled access to their devices. These implants, such as Synchron’s Stentrode, are stent-like devices positioned in a vein atop the brain’s motor cortex. They capture and decode brain waves to execute commands on Apple devices.

Early testers, including Mark Jackson, have already begun controlling iPhones, iPads, and Vision Pro headsets using their thoughts alone. However, the technology is still in its infancy and does not yet offer the speed and responsiveness users typically expect from their devices.

Apple’s venture into BCIs, while innovative, also brings with it certain challenges. Tom Oxley, Synchron’s CEO, acknowledged that current systems have to emulate traditional input devices like mice, which limits their true potential. Apple plans to introduce a new standard later this year.

Neuralink, another significant player in the BCI field, offers devices like the N1 that have over 1,000 electrodes, promising faster and more nuanced control. However, the direct implanting of electrodes into the brain raises concerns about long-term safety, ethical considerations, and potential misuse.