Apple is reportedly intensifying the introduction of technology that allows control of its devices, such as the iPhone, using brain waves, according to a report by The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) on Jan. 13.
According to the report, Apple has begun initial work on developing technology that allows disabled individuals who cannot use their hands to easily operate Apple devices using brain waves in collaboration with brain-computer interface (BCI) startup Synchron, which has developed an implant that converts brain signals for device control.
Smartphones utilize touch as input based on user actions. However, the implant technology allows users to operate devices solely by brain signals without physical movement.
To this end, Apple is developing a new technology standard for the consolidation of Synchron's implant device called Stentrode with devices such as the iPhone.
Stentrode is a stent-like implant inserted into the veins above the brain's motor cortex, equipped with electrodes that read brain waves.
This device reads and interprets the user's brain waves to select icons on a screen. However, the Synchron technology is still in its early stages, making it difficult to freely move the cursor like a mouse or operate quickly, limiting it to screen navigation and icon selection.
The WSJ noted that the new standard Apple plans to unveil later this year could solve these limitations with a BCI-specific interface design.
Apple also developed a technology standard for Bluetooth consolidation in 2014 that allows hearing aid users to hear sounds from the iPhone better.
Consequently, Apple is expected to compete with Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla, in the institutional sector of device operation technology using brain waves.
Musk's neuroscience startup, Neuralink, is developing technology that enables quadriplegic patients to communicate through devices by implanting chips in their brains.
Recently, a case of the third quadriplegic patient who underwent Neuralink chip implantation surgery was also made public.