By Josh Ong

Published: 03:16 AM EST (12:16 AM PST)

A new report claims Apple manufacturers Foxconn and Pegatron have begun producing the hardware for Apple's next-generation iPhone in preparation for the finalized version of iOS 5, which is rumored to arrive in time for an early October launch in the U.S. and a late October launch in Asia.

Japanese Mac site Macotakara cites a "Chinese source" as saying that the two OEM manufacturers have started assembling Apple's so-called iPhone 5, with Foxconn bearing 85 percent of the load and Pegatron taking on a 15 percent share.

However, the devices are reportedly being stocked without packaging because Apple is not ready to install iOS 5 on them.

The report inferred from its source that the iPhone 5 will be ready to launch by early October, adding that the handset would arrive in Asia in late October or early November.

The publication has a hit-or-miss track record with Apple predictions. For instance, in May, it reported that a SIM-less iPhone 5 would arrive by early August.

Mac Otakara's most recent information does however fall in line with a separate report from last month that claimed Pegatron would begin shipping the iPhone 5 in September. Earlier this year, it was claimed that Pegatron would supply 15 million next-generation iPhones, but that number has since been dropped down to 10 million. Assuming that Pegatron's 15 percent share of the iPhone production load is accurate, a 10 million unit order for the manufacturer would leave Foxconn with a 57 million unit order.

AppleInsider reported in August that Apple's long-time advertising agency TBWA/Chiat Day has begun work on a television spots for the smartphone, which will reportedly finish up in early October. Several other reports have also pointed to an October release.

Apple's next iPhone is expected to take advantage of the A5 processor and sport an 8-megapixel camera. The device is also rumored to be thinner and smaller with curved sides differing from those of the iPhone 4.