Is the patent you are talking about an invention patent?
In the past, when you applied for a patent for invention, you had to apply for both invention and utility model. After the implementation of the new patent law (2008), this situation can only be submitted at the same time, and the utility model patent must be abandoned when the invention patent is granted. Those who have applied for a patent for invention cannot apply for a patent for utility model. It's no use applying, it's just a waste of money. Invention patents can now be taken as soon as 1 year, usually 1 year and a half to two years.
If you are particularly concerned about the authorization time, you can ask for priority to convert the invention patent into the utility model patent. It seems a little wasteful.
In fact, the application for a patent for invention cannot be approved, which means that the application for a patent for utility model of the product will be invalid after it is authorized. The three standards of invention and utility model are the same, except that utility model is not examined in substance.
I hope it works for you.