In August 2025, Apple and Synchron unveiled a revolutionary demonstration that is poised to transform the future of assistive technology and brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). In a live showcase, Mark Jackson, a patient living with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), successfully operated an iPad using only his thoughts, without any physical movement. This historic achievement marks the first time an Apple device has been natively controlled by the human brain, opening the door to a new era of digital interaction.
The Core of the Breakthrough: Synchron’s Stentrode Technology
At the heart of this innovation lies Synchron’s Stentrode, an implantable brain-computer interface that is inserted into a blood vessel near the motor cortex. Unlike traditional BCI systems that require invasive open-brain surgery, the Stentrode is deployed via the jugular vein in a minimally invasive procedure. This method dramatically reduces surgical risks, enhances patient safety, and makes the technology more accessible for widespread clinical use.
The Stentrode works by detecting motor intention—the brain’s signals that represent the user’s desire to move—and transmitting these signals wirelessly to an external decoder. This decoder then translates the brain’s electrical activity into digital commands.
Apple’s Native BCI Human Interface Device Protocol
This achievement is powered by Apple’s new native BCI Human Interface Device (HID) protocol, introduced in May 2025. Available in iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, the protocol seamlessly integrates brain signals as a legitimate input method alongside touch, keyboard, and voice commands.
With this integration, an iPad can interpret BCI signals natively—without the need for third-party software—allowing the user to navigate menus, open applications, type messages, and control various settings. This functionality is enhanced through Apple’s Switch Control interface, a powerful accessibility feature that provides visual feedback on neural input intensity, enabling more precise and intuitive control.
A Safer, More Scalable Brain-Computer Interface
One of the most significant advantages of Synchron’s Stentrode over competing BCIs is its minimally invasive implantation. While other systems may require craniotomy or direct placement of electrodes on brain tissue, Synchron’s approach avoids penetrating brain matter, thus reducing risks such as infection, bleeding, and long recovery periods.
This procedural difference not only improves patient safety but also increases the potential for scaling the technology to a broader audience. The Stentrode could eventually be available outside clinical trials, empowering millions of people with severe motor impairments to interact with digital devices independently.
Transformative Potential for People with ALS and Beyond
The collaboration between Apple and Synchron is particularly impactful for individuals with ALS, spinal cord injuries, and other conditions that limit physical mobility. The ability to control an iPad purely through thought can provide:
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Independence in communication through text, email, and social media.
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Access to online resources for education, work, and entertainment.
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Control of smart home devices integrated with Apple’s HomeKit ecosystem.
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Real-time interaction with healthcare providers via telemedicine platforms.
Beyond the realm of disability, the long-term implications are staggering. As BCI technology matures, it could enable mainstream cognitive control of computers, smartphones, AR/VR headsets, and even robotic systems.
How the Brain-Controlled iPad Works in Practice
During the demonstration, Mark Jackson used the Stentrode-enabled iPad to perform tasks such as:
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Navigating the home screen through eye and head-free interaction.
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Opening applications using mental commands recognized by the HID protocol.
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Typing messages through Apple’s on-screen keyboard using thought-based cursor movement.
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Interacting with the web and various software environments.
Apple’s Switch Control interface provided real-time feedback, displaying an intensity bar that responded to Jackson’s neural activity, allowing him to fine-tune his mental commands for precision.
The Role of Neural Signal Translation
The decoder device connected to the Stentrode plays a crucial role. It translates the raw neural data collected by the implant into digital commands that the iPad recognizes as standard input. Apple’s HID protocol treats these brain signals exactly as it would treat inputs from a keyboard or touchscreen, ensuring smooth performance across all native and third-party applications.
This seamless integration is vital for making brain control feel natural, rather than a tacked-on accessibility tool. It is this level of native compatibility that sets Apple and Synchron’s partnership apart from other BCI projects.
Apple’s Accessibility Vision for the Future
Apple has a long history of integrating accessibility features into its devices, and the brain-controlled iPad is an extension of that commitment. With VoiceOver, Switch Control, AssistiveTouch, and now native BCI support, Apple is building an inclusive ecosystem where technology adapts to the user—not the other way around.
The company has hinted that future updates could further refine latency, accuracy, and personalization, allowing BCIs to work even more seamlessly with Apple Vision Pro, Mac computers, and wearable devices like the Apple Watch.
Wider Implications for Brain-Computer Interfaces
The Apple-Synchron partnership represents more than just a medical breakthrough—it is a signal of market readiness for BCI adoption. By leveraging Apple’s massive global user base and Synchron’s pioneering medical technology, the two companies have positioned BCIs as a viable mainstream technology rather than a distant science fiction concept.
Potential applications in the coming years include:
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Immersive AR/VR control without physical controllers.
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Thought-based productivity tools for professionals.
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Advanced prosthetic limb control with direct neural feedback.
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Hands-free navigation for vehicles and drones.
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Secure authentication through brainwave patterns.
Ethical and Privacy Considerations
While the promise of BCIs is immense, it also raises important questions about data privacy, consent, and security. Brain data is among the most personal forms of biometric information, and protecting it from misuse is critical. Apple has assured that all neural signal processing in this system adheres to strict encryption and privacy safeguards.
Furthermore, medical-grade devices like the Stentrode are subject to regulatory oversight, ensuring that they meet safety standards before widespread release.
The Road Ahead: From Clinical Trials to Consumer Use
Currently, Synchron’s brain-controlled iPad is available only to clinical trial participants, focusing on individuals with severe paralysis. However, both companies have made it clear that wider availability is on the horizon. As regulatory approvals progress and manufacturing scales up, we may soon see commercially available brain-controlled Apple devices.
This transition could mark the beginning of a paradigm shift in human-computer interaction, where cognitive intent becomes a primary mode of control—as natural and effortless as touch or speech.
Conclusion: A Glimpse into the Future of Digital Interaction
The brain-controlled iPad demonstrated by Apple and Synchron is not just a technological milestone—it is a human empowerment tool. By merging cutting-edge neuroscience with consumer-grade hardware, they have created a pathway for thought-driven interaction that could eventually be available to everyone.
From restoring communication for those with disabilities to enabling new modes of control for everyday users, this innovation represents a bold step toward a world where the mind itself is the ultimate user interface.
