Breakthrough in brain-controlled Apple Vision Pro

The possibility of controlling Apple devices like the Vision Pro with brain signals is closer to reality, as Synchron's non-invasive brain-computer interface has reached a one-year milestone without causing serious adverse effects in patients.

Synchron, a company pioneering brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), reported that all six patients involved in its clinical trials showed no device-related serious issues, marking a significant step toward bringing this technology to the consumer market.

The brain-computer interface, called the Stentrode, has been implanted in patients via a minimally invasive procedure through the jugular vein, avoiding the dangers of more invasive brain surgeries. The goal is to allow individuals with paralysis caused by severe brain injuries, such as strokes, to regain some control over devices like smartphones, tablets, smart home appliances, and even Apple's Vision Pro mixed-reality headset.

The ongoing COMMAND study, the first FDA-approved trial for a permanently implanted BCI, has demonstrated that the implant can consistently capture brain signals related to motor intent. The Stentrode device interprets brain signals and converts them into actions, such as moving a cursor or clicking on a screen.

This technology has the potential to significantly improve the quality of life for millions of people with mobility challenges, offering them new ways to interact with their environment and regain a degree of functional independence.