With the release of Apple's latest iOS 17 update last month, the company is already working on next year's iOS 18 update. And if the latest leaks are to be believed, Apple may debut its long-rumored ChatGPT rival for all the best iPhones.

According to MacRumors, a new research note released this week by Jeff Pu, an industry analyst covering Apple's supply chain at Haitong International Securities, suggests that as early as late 2024, the company's AI-powered chatbot could be available as early as the second half of 2024. Pu said that sources within the supply chain have told him that Apple plans to build hundreds of AI servers in 2023, with more to follow this time next year. With this timeline, there is a good chance that generative AI capabilities will be included in iOS 18 and iPhone 16, which will be released in late 2024, much sooner than expected.

Earlier reports revealed that Apple had begun testing what staff called Apple GPT internally as early as July; Pu said the company was working on cloud-based AI and more on-device data processing in a way that protects user privacy MacRumors reports that the company believes it will offer both cloud-based AI and so-called "edge AI," which involves more on-device data processing in a way that protects user privacy.

But before getting too excited, Pooh warns that Apple's AI rollout will require patience. That's because the company is carefully considering how it will use and process personal data to avoid the same privacy pitfalls that have plagued AI-powered technology in recent months. And, of course, that will no doubt take time.

One of the most important uses of these generative AI capabilities could come for Siri. Last month, The Information reported on Apple's plans to incorporate large-scale language models into its virtual assistant, allowing users to automate multi-step tasks with voice commands. For example, with a single voice command, Siri could take a series of photos, turn them into a GIF, and send the GIF to one of its contacts. The outlet claimed that this feature is expected to come to the iPhone through a software update next year, also hinting at the launch of iOS 18.