ALS Patient Becomes First to Control an iPad Using Only His Thoughts

A groundbreaking medical achievement has given a 65-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) the ability to control an iPad entirely with his mind. According to neurotechnology company Synchron, Mark Jackson of western Pennsylvania is the first person in the world to operate the device solely through a brain-computer interface (BCI).

Jackson, who was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, has since lost mobility in both arms and developed weakness in his neck. Traditionally, such paralysis would have meant a severe loss of independence. But thanks to Synchron’s implantable BCI, his thoughts can now be translated into digital actions, allowing him to navigate apps, select items, and communicate without using his hands or voice.

The technology has enabled Jackson to regain parts of his daily life. He now watches television shows, listens to audiobooks, browses social media, and even sends text messages to his children, all through thought-driven commands.