First Native Thought-Based Control of an Apple Device via Brain Computer Interface

Synchron, a category-defining brain-computer interface (BCI) company, today released the first-ever public demonstration of an individual using an iPad controlled entirely by thought, leveraging Apple’s built-in accessibility features and new Brain-Computer Interface Human Interface Device (BCI HID) protocol.

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An overview of Synchron's BCI system and how it allows users with motor impairment to control their digital devices. (Image credit: Synchron)

The video features Mark, a participant in Synchron’s COMMAND clinical study and a person living with ALS, who uses the company’s implantable BCI to navigate the iPad home screen, open apps, and compose text all without using his hands, voice, or eyes.

This moment follows Apple’s announcement in May of a new BCI Human Interface Device (BCI HID) input protocol. With the new protocol, Apple’s operating systems can leverage brain signals as a native input method for the first time.

“This is the first time the world has seen native, thought-driven control of an Apple device in action,” said Dr. Tom Oxley, CEO and Founder, Synchron. “Mark’s experience is a technical breakthrough, and a glimpse into the future of human-computer interaction, where cognitive input becomes a mainstream mode of control.”

Mark’s use of the iPad is enabled by Apple’s built-in accessibility feature, Switch Control, and Synchron’s Stentrode™ device, which detects motor intention from blood vessels within the brain. These signals are wirelessly transmitted to an external decoder, which interfaces directly with iPadOS through the new HID protocol. The system allows for closed-loop communication, where an iPad, iPhone or Apple Vision Pro shares contextual screen data with the BCI decoder to optimize real-time performance, enabling precise, intuitive control using just neural signals.

“When I lost the use of my hands, I thought I had lost my independence,” said Mark. “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.”

Synchron was the first company to bring a permanently implantable BCI into clinical trials, and its endovascular approach avoids open brain surgery, making it uniquely positioned for real-world scalability.

Today’s demonstration marks a major advancement in assistive technology and a glimpse at the future of human-computer interaction. Synchron is continuing controlled rollouts of the BCI HID experience with clinical participants, with broader availability to come.

This marks a critical step in making BCI technology practical, scalable, and integrated into the global consumer ecosystem, moving beyond clinical trials into everyday life.

For more information and to view the video, visit our YouTube channel.

About Synchron

Synchron is the category-defining brain-computer interface (BCI) company pioneering implantable neurotechnology designed to restore autonomy and improve lives. Its mission is to bring the first commercially scalable BCI to millions of people with motor impairment. Synchron has completed two human clinical trials since 2019 and is preparing for a larger-scale study. The company’s implantable BCI is now powered by Chiral AI™, a proprietary foundation model of cognition. With the BCI market projected to reach $400 billion (Morgan Stanley), Synchron is leading the field while prioritizing ethical development grounded in Cognitive Liberty and the protection of fundamental rights. Synchron is headquartered in New York. Learn more at synchron.com and follow @synchroninc.

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