Causing Visions: Magnetism, Perception, and the Future of Technology
Recent news has hinted that the iPhone could become obsolete in the next decade. According to Apple executive Eddy Cue, the future of human-computer interaction may move away from handheld devices entirely. One way this radical shift might occur is through the direct use of electromagnetic fields to project visuals into the brain—essentially bypassing screens altogether. Could Apple already be thinking about causing visions?
What sounds like science fiction is increasingly entering the realm of science fact. Studies into artificially-induced hallucinations using magnetic fields have shown that our senses—particularly sight and sound—can be manipulated by external forces. This fusion of neuroscience, electromagnetism, and futuristic interface design is opening new doors for how we may interact with technology.
Magnetic Hallucinations: What Are They and How Are They Created?
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a well-established medical technique used to stimulate regions of the brain using magnetic fields. Remarkably, it can also generate artificial perceptions—visuals like floating lights, balls, and lines—when directed at the visual cortex.
These visions aren’t imaginary; they are neurologically induced responses. The origins of this research tie intriguingly into the ball lightning hypothesis, where rare atmospheric magnetic conditions were suspected of causing hallucinations in storm environments—effectively mimicking what TMS now achieves under controlled conditions. But can we use this for causing visions in place of carrying a smartphone?
The Science of Seeing with Magnetism
To trigger visual effects via TMS, a magnetic pulse of around 0.5 Tesla is required—about ten thousand times stronger than Earth’s magnetic field. According to MIT research, a 1 kW electromagnet can produce this field strength at a distance of about 30cm—feasible with household power or high-capacity batteries. The consumer devices would use distances much less than 30cm, making it achieveable with regular Lithium-Ion or Lithium-Ion Iron Phosphate batteries.
Targeting different areas of the visual cortex allows researchers to control the location and form of these visuals that appear in front of the subject. Move the coil, and the light moves—suggesting a system that can simulate sight internally, without eyes or displays.
Mapping the Mind: The Role of the Cortex
The visual cortex isn’t alone in its susceptibility. Magnetic fields can also influence the somatosensory cortex (touch) and motor cortex (movement), proving that multiple sensory systems are accessible via non-invasive electromagnetic techniques.
Causing visions like floating shapes is just the beginning. There’s speculation around frequency modulation potentially allowing colour control, opening the door to full-colour experiences. As frequency and pulse width alter perception, we may be looking at the groundwork for direct visual broadcasting.
Beyond Causing Visions: Hearing with Radios
Auditory manipulation via radio waves has already been explored in several declassified and patented systems, including:
- US3393279
- US3629521
- US3766331
- US4858612
- US4877027
- US6011991
- US6470214
- US6587729
- US7629918
- US3951134
- US6219657
These systems rely on modulating amplitude and frequency to stimulate the auditory cortex, without speakers—turning the brain itself into a receiver. See detailed examples in this analysis of the radio hearing effect. Notably, while hearing can be induced via radio, vision and touch appear to respond to magnetic fields.
Metasurfaces and Smart Interfaces
Recent advances in metasurfaces—engineered materials that precisely control electromagnetic waves—could make this technology dramatically more efficient. These materials enable fine-grained manipulation of EM fields, leading to precise control over where and how they interact with the brain.
Combined with patents like US3951134 and US6219657, which outline brain state analysis and remote neural interfacing, metasurfaces could help create smart brain interfaces. These might not only deliver content but also respond to brain activity—potentially using large AI models to “save” specific thoughts or emotional states.
Power Requirements: Debunking the Energy Myth
A common fallacy is that this kind of stimulation must require massive energy. But in reality, 0.5 Tesla can be achieved using ~1kW at a distance of 30cm, a figure comparable to a typical electric kettle. According to MIT’s Technology Review, this is sufficient to produce visual effects from magnetic pulses.
These energy levels are well within the scope of modern mobile batteries or wall outlets, putting the technology within reach for consumer-grade devices, much like how VR headsets transitioned from bulky systems to lightweight gear.
Peer-Reviewed Foundations
A variety of credible studies back these claims:
- arXiv study on magnetically-induced hallucinations
- PMC article on metasurfaces and smart EM control
- Discussion of Wi-Fi signal-based neural pose estimation
This growing body of literature connects electromagnetic engineering to neurological responses like causing visions—blurring the lines between communication technology and cognitive science.
A New Reality for AR/VR: Causing Visions
Apple’s recent statement that the iPhone could be obsolete within 10 years (source) could underscore how visual augmentation is evolving. Instead of wearing headsets or holding phones, future users might experience digital overlays neuronally, like in The Matrix.
Could Eddy Cue have been talking about Apple causing visions?
Augmented Reality may transition from goggle-based devices to magnetically or radio-induced experiences—directly interfacing with the senses for a new kind of presence in virtual spaces.
Military and Surveillance Concerns
The military potential of TMS and EM interfaces is significant. Crowd control, interrogation, or silent persuasion via electromagnetic fields could offer non-lethal, hard-to-detect methods of influence.
The ethical implications are serious: if used without consent or oversight, this technology could become a powerful tool for manipulation—one hidden in plain sight and lacking visible indicators of harm.
Mind Control or Misunderstood Science?
Public concern around mind control is often dismissed as paranoia. Yet, the same effects attributed to mental illness—hearing voices, seeing visions—can be artificially induced with devices already in existence.
As these technologies become real, we must challenge medical systems that pathologise sensory phenomena without asking whether they are naturally or artificially caused. As with satellite imagery once locked to the military, consumer access could follow if the stigma is removed.
Tech Giants in the Brain Interface Arms Race
From Meta to Neuralink, tech companies are racing to dominate the neuro-interface space. Whether it’s through wearable brain readers or non-invasive EM systems, the goal is the same: merge minds with machines.
The question is whether consumers will retain control over their data and devices, or whether these interfaces will abstract personal cognition into the cloud—creating a new form of digital dependency.
Barriers and Technical Challenges in Causing Visons
Despite the promise, hurdles remain:
- Producing full-colour imagery magnetically is still theoretical.
- Safety concerns include potential neural damage or sensory desensitisation from miscalibrated pulses.
- Individual brain differences mean systems must be adaptive and precisely targeted—requiring AI or real-time brain mapping.
These challenges must be overcome to ensure reliable, safe experiences for end users.
Imagining the Future
Could we one day download visuals, skills, or feelings directly into our minds? Just like Neo in The Matrix, neural augmentation may allow instant knowledge transmission or sensory substitution, such as visualising sound or feeling infrared.
As the line between simulation and perception blurs, we could ask: where does the mind end and the interface begin?
Conclusion: The Gatekeepers of Perception
This article has explored how magnetism and radio technologies can create artificial sensory experiences—sights, sounds, and touches—without physical input. The tools to build such interfaces already exist. What stops us now is not technology, but systems of mental health, legal, and commercial control.
Just as satellite imagery was once restricted to governments but is now widely accessible, the same may eventually happen with neurotechnology. The question is: will we be ready for it?
that’s how they will put us in a simulation…