Apple enters neurotechnology field to support brain-implant iPhone control
13/05/2025 | The Wall Street Journal
Apple has announced its entry into the brain-computer interface field through a partnership with neurotechnology company Synchron. The company is taking initial steps to enable users to control iPhones using neural signals captured by advanced brain implants. Their aim is to significantly improve accessibility for individuals with severe spinal cord injuries or conditions like ALS who have limited or no hand function.
Synchron is the developer of Stentrode, a stent-like device implanted in a vein near the brain's motor cortex. The Stentrode features electrodes that interpret brain signals and translate them into actions, such as selecting icons on a screen. The technology works in conjunction with a feature within Apple's operating system, which allows the system to recognise alternative input devices, including brain implants.
According to Synchron CEO Tom Oxley, Apple plans to release a standard for these implants later this year. Apple previously adopted a similar standard for hearing aids in 2014 that has since been widely adopted by the hearing aid industry.
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