Apple will be able to be controlled with just thoughts next year
2025-05-17 11:13:00
TiranaPost
Apple is partnering with neurotechnology startup Synchron to bring a brain-computer interface (BCI) to its devices, opening a new chapter in the field of technology and accessibility.
The technology, called Stentrode, is an implant that is placed in the brain through the jugular vein, without the need for open surgery. It consists of 16 electrodes that capture the brain's nerve signals, allowing users - especially those with severe motor impairments such as ALS patients - to control Apple devices, such as the Vision Pro, with just the power of thought. It is still slower to use compared to classic controls, but the technology promises tremendous convenience for people with physical limitations.
As of 2019, 10 patients have received the implant in FDA-approved trials in the US. Apple plans to make the technology work through its Switch Control accessibility system, and aims to set a new industry standard similar to what it did in 2014 with its “Made for iPhone” hearing aids.
Unlike Elon Musk's company Neuralink, which uses more invasive methods with over 1,000 electrodes placed directly in the brain for more detailed control, Synchron's approach is simpler and less risky, making it suitable for more common and less complex cases.
