Appleinsider is reporting that Apple is developing its own components for use in the iPod.
"rather than continue to license them from others -- Apple hopes to gain more control over the iPod and shave costs at the same time. These costs saving measures are likely to be reflected in slightly higher margins for Apple and lower iPod costs for the end consumer."
The article in particular points to the iPod Scroll Wheel as one component which will be developed by Apple, much like its current trackpads in Powerbooks and iBooks.
Of great interest is the idea that the next generation iPods will include user-replacable batteries.