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

In a historic medical breakthrough, a 65-year-old man with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) has become the first person to control an iPad using only his thoughts. Mark Jackson, a resident of western Pennsylvania, achieved this milestone through an innovative brain-computer interface (BCI) developed by neurotechnology company Synchron. Diagnosed with ALS in 2021, Jackson has experienced significant physical decline, including the loss of mobility in his arms and weakness in his neck. Traditionally, such paralysis would severely limit independence, but Synchron’s implantable BCI has transformed his life by translating his neural signals into digital actions. This technology allows Jackson to navigate apps, select items, and communicate without relying on physical movement or speech. Since receiving the implant, Jackson has regained aspects of his daily routine, including watching television, listening to audiobooks, browsing social media, and sending text messages to his children—all through thought-driven commands. This achievement marks a significant step forward in the field of neurotechnology, offering hope for improved quality of life for individuals with severe physical disabilities.