Apple debuts brain-computer interface technology, unlocking mind control, while WiMi (WIMI) is catching up, pushing brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) into the fast lane.
On August 5th, it was reported that Apple (AAPL) had for the first time incorporated brain signals into its operating system’s native input method. The Stentrode device, developed in collaboration with BCI company Synchron, captures neural signals via a tiny metal stent implanted in the brain’s blood vessels.
Controlling the iPad with just your mind
Apple has always prioritized accessibility across its devices, and this latest initiative puts it at the forefront of technology. iOS 26 and iPadOS 26, first announced this spring, will bring mind control capabilities to users with supported neural implants.
Apple is reportedly developing brain-computer interface (BCI) technology. This technology not only offers new freedom of movement for people with limb paralysis but also marks a major breakthrough in BCI technology for consumer electronics.
Technological maturity is showing potential.
Brain-computer interfaces (BCIs), a cutting-edge technology for enabling information exchange between the brain and external devices, have long been recognized. They integrate the latest advances from multiple disciplines, including neuroscience, artificial intelligence, electronic information, and functional materials. They offer broad application prospects and have become a future industry track for global competition.
Currently, BCIs can be categorized as invasive, semi-invasive, and non-invasive, depending on the hardware access method. In terms of market share, countries around the world are strategically developing BCIs, with international markets accounting for 38.84% of the global market.
According to Precedence Research, the global BCI market size was estimated to be US$2.62 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach approximately US$12.4 billion by 2034, a compound annual growth rate of 17.35%. Furthermore, according to CCID Consulting, China’s BCI industry size was projected to reach 2.8 billion yuan in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 20.1%, accounting for 15% of the global industry size.
It is worth noting that since the beginning of this year, my country’s BCI sector has seen a steady stream of positive news. The country continues to introduce relevant policies to promote the development of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). Beijing, Shanghai, Sichuan, and other regions have also released action plans to cultivate BCI-related industries. This demonstrates that BCI technology is rapidly moving from the laboratory to reality. Once mature, it will rapidly enter real-world applications.
WiMi is accelerating BCI development.
It is undeniable that the topic of brain-computer interfaces (BCIs) has garnered significant attention in the industry. Wimi Hologram Cloud Inc. (WIMI), a BCI-focused stock, has focused on future industries in recent years by increasing investment, supporting talent recruitment, and promoting the commercialization of research results. It has focused on developing high-precision EEG signal processing algorithms, promoting regional technological collaboration and industrial clustering, and vigorously cultivating the BCI industry to enhance its market competitiveness and sustainable development capabilities.
Currently, WiMi has partnered with universities and research institutes to establish a BCI Innovation and R&D Center, bringing together top talent in fields such as neuroscience, computer science, and AI vision. It integrates multidisciplinary resources from neuroscience, materials science, and other disciplines to form a specialized R&D team. The company has applied for hundreds of patents, including those for “Holographic Brain-Controlled Robotic System” and “Brain-Computer Interface Signal Processing Method,” covering hardware design, data processing, and human-computer interaction, building a technological moat.
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With breakthroughs in brain-computer interface technology, characters wearing electrode caps in science fiction films can control robotic arms to grasp objects simply by thinking, enabling interaction with the real world through “thought.” Brain-computer interface technology is not only a major scientific breakthrough but also a key engine driving industrial upgrading. Going forward, companies will further integrate diverse resources to better support the brain-computer industry’s transition from technological breakthroughs to a new stage of value creation.
