Apple’s New Accessibility Feature May Soon Let you Control your iPhone with Your Thoughts

Apple is entering the brain-computer interface (BCI) space, according to a press release from New York-based startup Synchron. The goal is to help individuals with limited mobility control devices like iPhones, iPads, and the Vision Pro headset using only their thoughts.

Founded in 2016 by neurologist Dr. Tom Oxley, Synchron is developing a minimally invasive method to link the brain with external devices. Unlike Neuralink’s approach, which involves open brain surgery, Synchron’s proprietary technology detects brain signals through blood vessels. The company is backed by notable investors, including Bill Gates and Jeff Bezos.

A Brain-Computer Interface That Translates Thought into Digital Commands

However, the company’s device, called the ‘Stentrode,’ is a metal mesh tube embedded with electrode sensors. It’s designed to be inserted into a blood vessel that leads to the brain. Once in place, it picks up motor signals and transmits them to a small external device worn by the user. This transmitter then sends the signals wirelessly to a processor—roughly the size of a smartphone—which interprets them in real time and converts them into commands for devices like an iPhone.

Apple Embraces Neural Interfaces After ALS Patient Uses Synchron’s Tech to Control Vision Pro

Last July, an ALS patient in the U.S. used Synchron’s technology to operate an Apple Vision Pro AR headset—playing a card game, sending texts, and streaming video. Today’s announcement builds on that milestone, as Apple now officially recognizes neural interfaces as a native input method, alongside touch, voice, and typing.

“This is a pivotal moment for how humans interact with technology,” said Oxley. “BCI isn’t just an accessibility tool—it’s a next-gen interface. Apple’s support opens up new possibilities for people with paralysis and beyond.”

Synchron Poised for Historic Integration with Apple’s BCI HID, Advancing Accessibility and User Empowerment

Synchron is set to become the first biomedical company to achieve native integration with Apple’s new Brain-Computer Interface Human Interface Device (BCI HID) profile. “When we talk to our clinical trial participants, their top priorities are always communication and creativity,” said CCO Kurt Haggstrom. “For most, that means using Apple devices. Apple’s recognition of this need—and their collaboration to make BCI HID possible—shows their strong commitment to accessibility. It’s been a privilege to work with their teams and contribute feedback.”

Later this year, Synchron plans to launch clinical trials involving individuals with severe physical disabilities, using BCI HID-enabled Apple devices. Oxley has noted that around 100 million people globally face conditions like paralysis that limit their ability to interact with technology. Integrating Synchron’s system with widely used Apple products could significantly expand access for this group.

Read the original article on: New Atlas

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