Brain implant turns thoughts into digital commands

A new brain implant now lets people control Apple devices, such as iPads, iPhones, and the Vision Pro, using only their thoughts. Synchron, an endovascular brain-computer interface (BCI) company based in New York, demonstrated the first wireless BCI that works with Apple's official protocol.

Ten patients have received the implant: six in the U.S. and four in Australia. With this technology, users living with severe paralysis can navigate apps, send messages, and operate devices hands-free. This breakthrough greatly expands independence, as it enables patients to manage their environment, stream shows, and control smart home devices, all using only their minds.

Synchron's advancement in BCI technology marks a significant step for assistive devices and hints at how we may interact with computers in the future. The device's hands-free, voice-free operati...