cant activate phone without update

Hello veebee2262,

Welcome to Apple Support Communities! We understand you're having trouble activating your iPhone. We're happy to assist you with this.

Here are two articles that may help resolve your issue. You can use the one that best supports the error you are receiving:

If you see an Update Failed or Apple Pay Not Available alert after iOS update or restart

If you see "Software update is required to connect to your iOS device" on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch

Best Regards.