Synchron has achieved a groundbreaking milestone by demonstrating the first-ever thought-controlled iPad experience using Apple's Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) Human Interface Device protocol, a significant advancement in assistive technology.

The Stentrode implant, which is minimally invasive and inserted via blood vessels, detects neural signals associated with motor intentions and wirelessly transmits them to external devices.

Mark Jackson, a 65-year-old man with ALS, has successfully utilized Synchron's BCI to engage in activities such as playing computer games, texting, and shopping online, significantly enhancing his independence.

Synchron has garnered substantial financial backing, including investments from Gates Frontier and Bezos Expeditions, and initial support from DARPA grants.

Since 2019, Synchron has been conducting human trials and is preparing for larger-scale studies following a $75 million funding round in 2022, bringing its total funding to $145 million.

The company is pursuing FDA regulatory approval through the Class III medical device pathway, having completed pivotal clinical trials that build trust with healthcare providers and insurers.

Synchron is gearing up for a pivotal trial in 2026 to collect data necessary for FDA approval, demonstrating that the benefits of the device outweigh its risks.

Jackson expressed that this technology has restored part of his independence, enabling him to communicate and engage with the world through cognitive control.

Dr. Tom Oxley, CEO of Synchron, described this development as a significant technical breakthrough in human-computer interaction, where cognitive input could become a standard control method.

The system employs Apple's Switch Control accessibility feature, facilitating closed-loop communication that allows for real-time adjustments, enhancing user control through neural signals.

Synchron plans to launch its product with clinical trial participants using Apple devices in late 2025, emphasizing user-friendly design and accessibility.

The potential applications of this technology extend beyond communication, offering new opportunities in education, rehabilitation, and even remote work in virtual environments.