Synchron Demonstrates Thought-Controlled Use of iPad via BCI and Apple’s New HID Protocol

Synchron, a brain-computer interface (BCI) company, has released a video showcasing the first public demonstration of a person controlling an iPad entirely through thought. The demonstration features Mark, a participant in the company’s COMMAND clinical study and a person living with ALS. Using Synchron’s implantable BCI system in combination with Apple’s built-in accessibility features and the recently introduced Brain-Computer Interface Human Interface Device (BCI HID) protocol, Mark is shown navigating the iPad home screen, launching applications, and composing text without using his hands, voice, or eyes.

The demonstration follows Apple’s announcement in May regarding the BCI HID input protocol. This protocol allows Apple’s operating systems to support brain signals as a native input method. Synchron’s system works in conjunction with Apple’s existing Switch Control accessibility feature and incorporates the Stentrode™ device, which detects motor intention signals from blood vessels within the brain. These signals are transmitted wirelessly to an external decoder that communicates with iPadOS via the new HID protocol.

The system operates using closed-loop communication, enabling the iPad, iPhone, or Apple Vision Pro to share screen context with the BCI decoder. This feedback allows the system to optimize real-time performance and supports more precise and intuitive control based on neural signals.

“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 of Synchron. He described Mark’s demonstration as a technical milestone and referred to it as an indication of the evolving role of cognitive input in device control.

In the video, Mark is seen interacting with the iPad using only his thoughts. “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.” 

Previously, Synchron also showed that its device could pair with Apple’s Vision Pro headset. In that earlier demonstration, also involving Mark, the headset was operated using brain activity instead of physical gestures. These demonstrations were based on Apple’s HID protocol, which allows the BCI system to interpret on-screen content to enhance signal decoding and performance.

The Stentrode is implanted within the brain’s blood vessels using a catheter-based method, avoiding the need for open brain surgery. Synchron was the first company to initiate clinical trials with a permanently implantable BCI and has developed its approach with the aim of facilitating scalability in real-world settings.

The company is continuing limited rollouts of the BCI HID system with clinical participants. Broader availability is planned for a later stage.