In partnership with Synchron, Apple is developing a brain-computer interface that could let users with severe motor impairments control devices using only their thoughts.

Apple's announcement of a sci-fi like brain computing interface shows that the company still has its eye on cutting edge innovation. But it also highlights the challenge weighing on the company's day-to-day business.

If Apple makes enough progress, healthy people could receive the brain implant. Keyboards and mice will not be necessary to control computers. Smartphones operate similarly. Apple would probably launch the product as software only available to people who buy Apple hardware, which means it will run as a feature of iOS.