Apple Explores Brain-Computer Interfaces: A New Frontier in Accessibility
Apple is venturing into the realm of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), signaling a potential revolution in how individuals interact with technology. The company is reportedly in the early stages of developing technology that would allow users, particularly those with mobility impairments, to control iPhones, iPads, and Vision Pro headsets using neural signals. This initiative underscores Apple’s commitment to accessibility and its ambition to expand the possibilities of human-computer interaction.
The Wall Street Journal reports that Apple is collaborating with Synchron, a New York City-based company specializing in BCIs. Synchron, backed by notable figures like Jeff Bezos and Bill Gates, has developed a unique brain implant that differentiates itself from other devices currently in the market. This collaboration highlights the increasing interest and investment in the BCI industry, which is projected to experience significant growth in the coming years.
The BCI landscape is currently dominated by companies like Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk. Neuralink has already successfully implanted its devices in human subjects, demonstrating the feasibility of controlling computers with brain signals. However, Apple’s entry into the field, alongside Synchron, promises to bring a fresh perspective and potentially accelerate the development of more user-friendly and accessible BCI technology.
Historically, humans have interacted with computers primarily through mechanical means, such as keyboards and mice, and behavioral actions, like touchscreens and voice commands. BCIs represent a paradigm shift, eliminating the need for physical movement and offering a direct pathway to control devices through thought. This has profound implications for individuals with profound physical impairments, offering them unprecedented access to technology and the digital world.
A key differentiating factor between Synchron’s technology and Neuralink’s is the implant’s design and method of insertion. Neuralink’s N1 implant requires a more invasive surgical procedure, involving direct implantation into the brain. Synchron’s device, called the Stentrode, is a stent-like device implanted on top of the brain. This approach avoids the need for open brain surgery, potentially reducing the risks and complications associated with the procedure.
The Stentrode functions by employing electrodes to read brain signals. These signals are then translated into commands that allow users to navigate on-screen and select icons. This technology leverages a pre-existing accessibility feature within Apple’s operating system called switch control. Switch control allows users to remotely control their Mac computers using external adaptive devices, such as joysticks or switches. The Stentrode effectively acts as a sophisticated, brain-controlled switch, allowing users to interact with Apple devices through neural signals.
Synchron has already achieved significant milestones, having implanted the Stentrode in 10 individuals since 2019. These real-world implementations provide valuable insights into the device’s performance, usability, and impact on the lives of individuals with disabilities.
The Wall Street Journal featured the story of Mark Jackson, a Pittsburgh resident living with ALS, who is unable to leave his home. Jackson had the opportunity to test the Stentrode in conjunction with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. Through this combination of technologies, Jackson was able to experience a virtual trip to Switzerland, virtually standing on an alpine peak. He described the experience as so realistic that he felt his legs shake, emphasizing the immersive potential of BCIs.
While the technology holds immense promise, it’s important to acknowledge the current limitations. Jackson noted that navigating using the Stentrode is slower compared to traditional methods like a mouse or touchscreen. It’s also slower than using Neuralink’s N1, which can capture significantly more brain data due to its higher density of electrodes. This highlights the ongoing need for further research and development to improve the speed and accuracy of BCI technology.
These advancements in BCI technology are occurring against the backdrop of anticipated regulatory approval. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is currently evaluating these devices, and full approval is expected to take several years. This regulatory process is crucial to ensure the safety and efficacy of BCIs before they become widely available to the public.
Dr. Tom Oxley, CEO and co-founder of Synchron, expressed his enthusiasm for Apple’s involvement in the field. He praised Apple for "helping to pioneer a new interface paradigm, where brain signals are formally recognized alongside touch, voice, and typing." He emphasized that with BCI recognized as a native input for Apple devices, "there are new possibilities for people living with paralysis and beyond."
Apple’s exploration of BCIs represents a significant step towards a future where technology is more accessible and inclusive. By collaborating with companies like Synchron and investing in research and development, Apple is poised to play a key role in shaping the future of human-computer interaction and empowering individuals with disabilities. The ongoing development of BCIs holds the potential to transform not only how we interact with technology, but also how we live our lives, offering new levels of independence, communication, and connection to the world. The field is still in its nascent stages, but the possibilities are immense, and Apple’s involvement signals a commitment to unlocking the full potential of brain-computer interfaces for the benefit of humanity.
