Apple is reportedly acquiring parts of Sonera, a company known for developing compact magnetic sensors capable of detecting the tiny magnetic signals produced by activity in the brain and body. The move could open the door to a new generation of brain-sensing wearables, though Apple has not confirmed any specific product plans.
Acquisition Details Emerge From EU Filing
Neither Apple nor Sonera has publicly commented on the deal, but a regulatory filing in the European Union has revealed that Apple will acquire certain assets from Sonera and hire a number of its employees through one of its subsidiaries. This suggests the tech giant is actively investing in the underlying technology.
Sonera’s proprietary biomagnetic chip is the centerpiece of the deal. Unlike many biosensors, these sensors can pick up signals without requiring direct contact with the skin, making them particularly interesting for wearable applications.
What This Could Mean for Apple Watch and Other Wearables
For Apple, Sonera’s technology could provide new ways to monitor health and body signals. Future Apple Watch models or other wearable devices might use these sensors to track brain activity or other physiological data. However, Apple has not confirmed any product based on Sonera’s technology, and the concept remains in its early stages. Users should not expect a brain-controlled Apple Watch anytime soon.
Beyond Touchscreens and Voice Commands
Touchscreens remain the easiest way to interact with phones and watches, while voice commands handle simple tasks. Gestures already let users control devices without touching them. Brain-sensing controls could take this further, allowing users to trigger features simply by thinking.
The Sonera deal does not mean Apple is ready to launch a thought-controlled device. But it shows that Apple is exploring new ways to make wearables smarter. The next major shift in device control may not come from a better display — it could come from how the device reads the human body.