In a groundbreaking advancement in assistive technology, Synchron, a leading brain-computer interface (BCI) company, has publicly demonstrated an individual controlling an iPad solely through thought. This milestone showcases the integration of Synchron’s implantable device with Apple’s accessibility features, marking a significant leap forward in human-computer interaction.
The Demonstration
The demonstration features Mark, a participant in Synchron’s COMMAND clinical study and a person living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In the video, Mark navigates the iPad’s Home Screen, launches applications, and composes text messages without any physical movement, speech, or eye tracking. This is achieved through the seamless integration of Synchron’s Stentrode device and Apple’s Switch Control accessibility feature.
Technical Integration
The Stentrode device is implanted into a blood vessel near the brain’s motor cortex via a minimally invasive procedure through the jugular vein. Once in place, it detects neural signals associated with motor intent and wirelessly transmits them to an external decoder. This decoder interfaces directly with iPadOS through Apple’s Brain-Computer Interface Human Interface Device (BCI HID) protocol, enabling real-time translation of thought into digital commands.
Apple’s BCI HID protocol, introduced in May 2025, allows for native integration of brain-computer interfaces across its operating systems, including iOS, iPadOS, and visionOS. This protocol facilitates closed-loop communication between Apple devices and BCI technology, dynamically sharing contextual on-screen data to optimize performance and responsiveness.
Implications for Accessibility
For individuals with severe motor impairments, such as those caused by ALS, this technology offers a new avenue for interaction with digital devices. Mark expressed the profound impact of this innovation, stating, When I lost the use of my hands, I thought I had lost my independence. Now, with my iPad, I can message my loved ones, read the news, and stay connected with the world, just by thinking. It’s given me part of my life back.
Future Prospects
Synchron has implanted its Stentrode device in ten patients across the United States and Australia under the FDA’s investigational device exemption. Unlike more invasive approaches that require open-brain surgery, Synchron’s endovascular method offers a safer, catheter-based procedure, potentially accelerating the adoption of BCI technology.
Apple’s collaboration with Synchron began with pilot projects using the Apple Vision Pro, which Mark controlled through thought in 2024. The integration has since expanded to iPhones and iPads, with broader support for the BCI HID protocol expected across Apple’s platforms later in 2025.
Conclusion
The successful demonstration of thought-controlled iPad usage represents a significant milestone in the field of brain-computer interfaces and accessibility technology. It not only highlights the potential for cognitive input to become a mainstream mode of control but also underscores the transformative impact such innovations can have on individuals with motor impairments, offering them renewed independence and connectivity.
