Apple is taking a bold leap into the future with its foray into brain-computer interface (BCI) technology — a move that could one day redefine how humans connect with their devices.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, Apple is in the early stages of developing systems that allow users to control iPhones using brain signals, opening new possibilities for accessibility and innovation.
The tech giant’s new direction focuses on harnessing neural activity to bridge the gap between mind and machine. By tapping into brain signals captured through advanced implants, Apple envisions a future where users can navigate and interact with their devices without using their hands. This could dramatically improve digital accessibility for individuals with severe spinal cord injuries, neurodegenerative disorders such as ALS, or limited motor control.
Apple is closely monitoring the progress of brain implant technologies being developed by companies like Elon Musk’s Neuralink and Synchron. These implants — known as brain-computer interfaces — are currently in experimental stages but have been successfully implanted in a limited number of patients under medical supervision. Once they gain full approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), these devices could become part of a broader technological ecosystem that Apple is actively preparing to support.
In particular, Apple has reportedly collaborated with Synchron, a company known for its minimally invasive implant called the Stentrode. Unlike traditional brain implants that require open-skull surgery, the Stentrode is inserted into a vein near the brain’s motor cortex. Equipped with electrodes, it detects and transmits brain signals which are then interpreted by software to control icons and other elements on a screen.
While commercial deployment of this technology may still be several years away, Apple’s investment signals a significant shift toward integrating brain-based input with mainstream consumer electronics. This initiative could not only transform how people interact with technology but also offer groundbreaking solutions for those facing physical limitations.