Synchron first to integrate brain-computer interface with Apple devices

Synchron integrates brain-computer interface with Apple devices: ©Synchron

Synchron announced it will be the first brain-computer interface (BCI) company to achieve native integration with Apple devices through a new protocol called BCI Human Interface Device (BCI HID). The milestone makes it possible for people implanted with Synchron’s technology to control iPhones, iPads, and Apple Vision Pro using only their thoughts—no physical movement or voice commands required.

The announcement follows Apple’s unveiling of the BCI HID protocol, which formally recognizes neural interfaces as a native input method on Apple platforms. The new integration offers hands-free, voice-free digital access for individuals with motor impairments, including those living with ALS, spinal cord injuries, or recovering from strokes.

“This marks a defining moment for human-device interaction. BCI is more than an accessibility tool, it’s a next-generation interface layer,” said Tom Oxley, CEO and co-founder of Synchron.

Synchron’s system uses the Stentrode, a small device implanted via blood vessels rather than open-brain surgery, to detect brain signals and convert them into digital commands. These commands interface directly with Apple’s built-in accessibility features, such as Switch Control.

Controlled rollouts with trial participants using BCI HID-compatible Apple devices are expected to begin later this year. The integration also strengthens Synchron’s commercialization pathway by offering real-world utility during clinical trials.

Kurt Haggstrom, Synchron’s chief commercial officer, said, “When we ask our clinical trial participants what they want to do, it’s always about communication and creativity. And to most people, that means using their Apple devices.”

How smartphones are reshaping the future of health care

Smartphones have become essential tools in modern health care—transforming how patients interact with providers, manage chronic conditions, and access medical information. With computing power in everyone’s pocket, the devices are bridging critical gaps in care, especially for people with disabilities or chronic illnesses.

The latest move by Apple and Synchron is an example of how mobile technology can redefine accessibility. But more broadly, smartphones are driving innovations that range from telehealth and remote monitoring to AI-assisted diagnostics.

The COVID-19 pandemic greatly accelerated the adoption of telemedicine, and smartphones played a starring role. Video visits, app-based symptom checkers, and secure messaging platforms allowed patients to access care without setting foot in a clinic. That momentum has continued post-pandemic, with many providers offering hybrid care models that rely heavily on mobile technology.

Smartphones also support wearable health tech, such as glucose monitors, heart rate trackers, and blood pressure cuffs that sync data directly to an app or physician’s portal. These tools empower patients to manage their health daily, while giving clinicians real-time insights that can improve outcomes.

For people with disabilities, smartphones offer unique tools for independence—screen readers, voice control, customizable accessibility settings, and now, with Synchron and Apple’s announcement, even brain-controlled interaction. This convergence of hardware, software, and neuroscience opens doors that were previously unthinkable.