When you think Apple, what words come to mind?

Computers. Phones. Tablets. Music. Cars.

Wait a minute... cars?

The thought might not be so farfetched after all, as rumors have surfaced that Apple may be interested in getting a foot in the door of the automobile industry. The San Francisco Chronicle reports that Apple may have met with Elon Musk, CEO of the electric car company Tesla, just last spring.

If true, the meeting supports last year's rumors that Apple was seriously considering an acquisition of the automobile giant. Investment analyst Andaan Ahmad even went as far as to write a letter to Apple CEO Tim Cook, calling on him to look into forming a partnership with Tesla. A company as successful and innovative as Apple, Ahmad argued, could spark a change in the automobile industry.

Apple, of course, continues to dominate the electronic market, as more consumers make the switch from PC to Mac, and their mobile devices remain ever popular. But there is evidence that sales on iPads and iPhones are beginning to slow down, and with $160 billion in cash and investments, Ahmed may be right that it's time for Apple to expand its horizons and take a risk on something new.

After all, it was Steve Jobs's penchant for taking risks and challenging the tech industry that lead to much of Apple's current success.

At the very least its clear that Apple is exploring it's options. As the San Francisco Chronicle writes, their acquisitions chief Adrian Perica has been "a very busy man", constantly striking deals and hunting for new avenues the company can take. And they aren't just looking at cars either. The Chronicle also reports that Apple is looking to put a hand in medicine, exploring sensor technology that could help predict heart attacks.

Seeing the Apple logo at car lots and hospitals still seems like a strange idea, but with Apple's commitment to innovation the day may not be to far off when this becomes a reality.