Imagine picking up your iPhone and opening your favorite app—without ever touching the screen. It might sound like something out of a futuristic movie, but Apple is actually working to make this possible. The company is developing technology that could let people control their iPhones, iPads, and even the Vision Pro headset with nothing but their thoughts.
What’s Behind This Innovation?
To bring this idea to life, Apple has teamed up with a company called Synchron. Synchron has invented a tiny device known as the Stentrode, which acts as a bridge between the brain and digital devices. The Stentrode is implanted in a blood vessel close to the brain’s motor cortex, the area that handles movement. It’s designed to pick up the brain’s signals and send them straight to your iPhone, which then translates those signals into actions—like opening an app or scrolling through a menu.
How Does It All Work?
The process starts with a minor surgery to insert the Stentrode near the brain. Once it’s in place, the device uses its sensors to detect the brain’s electrical activity. When someone thinks about moving their hand or selecting something on the screen, the Stentrode picks up those signals. Special software on the iPhone, called Switch Control, interprets these signals and turns them into commands. So, if you imagine tapping an icon, your iPhone can recognize that intention and respond accordingly.
Who Benefits from This Technology?
At the moment, Apple’s mind-control technology is being tested mainly by people who have severe movement challenges, such as those living with ALS or spinal injuries. For these individuals, using a phone or computer can be almost impossible. With this new system, they can interact with their devices without needing to touch the screen or use their voice.
One person testing the technology, Mark Jackson, has ALS and can no longer move his arms or legs. Thanks to Apple and Synchron’s partnership, he’s been able to use his iPhone and even explore virtual environments in the Vision Pro headset, all by thinking about what he wants to do. This breakthrough has given him a greater sense of independence.
What’s Coming Next?
Apple’s brain-control system is still in the early stages and isn’t available to the general public yet. The company is working on making it easier for other app developers to connect their apps to this technology. There’s hope that, in the near future, more people will be able to benefit from it, and Apple may share more updates later this year.
Why Does This Matter?
This new way of controlling devices could be life-changing for people with disabilities, giving them access to technology that many of us take for granted. It also shows how far technology has come and hints at a future where we might all interact with our devices in completely new ways.
Who knows? One day, you might be able to send a message, play a game, or browse the web just by thinking about it. Apple’s work with Synchron is opening the door to a world where our thoughts could be the only tool we need to connect with technology.
Imagine picking up your iPhone and opening your favorite app—without ever touching the screen. It might sound like something out of a futuristic movie, but Apple is actually working to make this possible. The company is developing technology that could let people control their iPhones, iPads, and even the Vision Pro headset with nothing but their thoughts.
What’s Behind This Innovation?
To bring this idea to life, Apple has teamed up with a company called Synchron. Synchron has invented a tiny device known as the Stentrode, which acts as a bridge between the brain and digital devices. The Stentrode is implanted in a blood vessel close to the brain’s motor cortex, the area that handles movement. It’s designed to pick up the brain’s signals and send them straight to your iPhone, which then translates those signals into actions—like opening an app or scrolling through a menu.
How Does It All Work?
The process starts with a minor surgery to insert the Stentrode near the brain. Once it’s in place, the device uses its sensors to detect the brain’s electrical activity. When someone thinks about moving their hand or selecting something on the screen, the Stentrode picks up those signals. Special software on the iPhone, called Switch Control, interprets these signals and turns them into commands. So, if you imagine tapping an icon, your iPhone can recognize that intention and respond accordingly.
Who Benefits from This Technology?
At the moment, Apple’s mind-control technology is being tested mainly by people who have severe movement challenges, such as those living with ALS or spinal injuries. For these individuals, using a phone or computer can be almost impossible. With this new system, they can interact with their devices without needing to touch the screen or use their voice.
One person testing the technology, Mark Jackson, has ALS and can no longer move his arms or legs. Thanks to Apple and Synchron’s partnership, he’s been able to use his iPhone and even explore virtual environments in the Vision Pro headset, all by thinking about what he wants to do. This breakthrough has given him a greater sense of independence.
What’s Coming Next?
Apple’s brain-control system is still in the early stages and isn’t available to the general public yet. The company is working on making it easier for other app developers to connect their apps to this technology. There’s hope that, in the near future, more people will be able to benefit from it, and Apple may share more updates later this year.
Why Does This Matter?
This new way of controlling devices could be life-changing for people with disabilities, giving them access to technology that many of us take for granted. It also shows how far technology has come and hints at a future where we might all interact with our devices in completely new ways.
Who knows? One day, you might be able to send a message, play a game, or browse the web just by thinking about it. Apple’s work with Synchron is opening the door to a world where our thoughts could be the only tool we need to connect with technology.
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