Apple has managed to cut the production cost of its new 3G iPhone model by US$53 compared with the original 2G version, according to an Unstrung report that cites research from iSuppli. The research firm estimates the total cost per unit for the 8GB 3G iPhone is US$173 (excluding software development, shipping and distribution, packaging, and other costs), compared with US$226 for the original 8GB model.