Apple Could Soon Let Users Control iPhones With Their Minds

Apple is reportedly advancing its development of brain-controlled device technology through a new partnership with Synchron, a company that specializes in brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). The collaboration focuses on enabling users to control Apple devices using thought alone, through a system that decodes brain signals into digital actions.

The technology being tested involves implanting a device equipped with electrodes into a user’s brain. These electrodes capture neural activity, which is then interpreted by software to perform actions such as launching apps or navigating screens. This approach aims to allow users to interact with their devices by simply thinking about the task they want to execute.

This initiative holds particular promise for users with physical disabilities. According to Synchron, the system could eventually allow people with mobility or speech impairments to operate smartphones and other electronic devices without physical interaction.

Pilot Testing and Real-World Application

The Wall Street Journal recently provided insight into the practical testing of this emerging interface. Among the participants is Mark Jackson, a Pittsburgh resident living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Jackson has received a Synchron device called the Stentrode, which is implanted in a vein above the brain’s motor cortex. This stent-like interface detects brain activity related to movement intention and translates it into on-screen navigation commands.

During a demonstration, Jackson was able to use the Apple Vision Pro headset to explore a virtual mountain environment. Though the technology does not yet allow for fluid movement equivalent to traditional touch or mouse input, it presents a major step forward in assistive technology.

Accessibility Innovation and Competitive Landscape

Synchron has claimed a milestone in being the first BCI company to achieve native integration with a new BCI Human Interface Device (BCI HID) profile. This achievement suggests that further compatibility with consumer electronics like smartphones, tablets, and wearables may soon be within reach.

Apple’s work in the BCI space places it in competition with companies such as Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk, which is developing similar implantable technology. While Neuralink has drawn widespread attention, Synchron’s integration efforts and partnership with Apple suggest it may reach the consumer market through mainstream platforms more quickly.

In parallel, Apple is also enhancing its existing accessibility offerings. With the upcoming release of iOS 19, the company plans to improve the Personal Voice feature, which supports users who have difficulty speaking by offering personalized synthesized speech capabilities.

Future Outlook

While there is no confirmed timeline for a consumer release, Apple’s investment in Synchron and its testing of BCI capabilities represent a potential breakthrough in how users—especially those with physical limitations—interact with technology. The integration of brain-based input systems could eventually redefine the user interface across a range of devices, reinforcing Apple’s commitment to accessibility and technological innovation.