Apple is reported to be working on a new technology that will enable users to control their iPhones using their brains – no physical movements or voice control required. This will apparently be done under a partnership with the neural tech company, Synchron.
Users will be implanted with the Synchron’s brain-computer interface (BCI), called Stentrode, into a blood vessel near the brain’s motor cortex. This will allow for the capture their neural signals, the interpretation of which will allow them to control their iPhone, iPad, and Apple Vision Pro with their thoughts alone. This is said to be designed to assist users with disabilities, such as ALS or stroke, who are unable to physically use their devices.
The BCI system will apparently be able to seamlessly integrate with built-in accessibility features found on Apple devices, such as Switch control. Synchron’s Stentrode will then translate the neural signals received into “selecting icons on a screen” using the new Switch Control feature. Neowin compares this feature to Bluetooth accessibility for hearing aids, which enables users to communicate with an iPhone via Bluetooth.
As of now, it is unclear when Apple and Synchron plan to launch this technology, if it ever does see a release. While there have been reports that some users were able to test the product, the technology is still said to be in its “very early stages”. According to the Wall Street Journal via Neowin, Apple is currently waiting for its competitors, such as Elon Musk’s Neuralink, to receive US FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approval.
(Sources: Business Wire, Neowin)
Manisha Dharmendra contributed to this article.
