Businessweek reports on a market research firm's analysis of the iPod nano - taken apart.
According to iSuppli, the components of the 2GB iPod nano costs $90.18 in materials and $8 to assemble, leaving Apple a 50% margin before marketing and distribution costs.
This estimates a $54 price point for the 2GB Flash from Samsung. Apple reportedly struck a deal with Samsung cornering 40% of their flash production at a significant discount. Meanwhile, the same 2GB flash would cost another manufacturer $90, according to the article.
Other internal changes noted some changes in suppliers for parts providing further discounts and the return of PortalPlayer's technology to the Nano (absent in the shuffle).