You can officially control an Apple device with your thoughts, as long as you have the Stentrode brain implant made by NYC-based Synchron.
First announced in May, the capability connects brain-computer interfaces (BCI) to Apple products through a Bluetooth connection. That means iPads, Macs, and other Apple products recognize a BCI just like a keyboard or mouse.
Apple designed it to be a standard connection for all implants, including Elon Musk's Neuralink, but Synchron is the first to offer the capability to its patients.
In a video on Synchron's YouTube channel, patient Mark Jackson, who has ALS, uses his Stentrode implant to control his iPad "entirely by thought," Synchron says. He can "navigate the iPad home screen, open apps, and compose text all without using his hands, voice, or eyes."
As a new feature, there are likely still some kinks to work out, but the ability to seamlessly connect with a widely used consumer device improves the patient experience.
"When I lost the use of my hands, I thought I had lost my independence,” says Jackson. "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."
