Finder wants update to connect iPhone, both are current

The update referred to in the "If you see "Software update is required to connect to your iOS device" on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support," only updates the software required for your computer to communicate with your iPhone. It will not update the macOS on your computer.

Click Install to download and install the software so your Mac can update or sync your iOS device. If you continue to see this alert, make sure that your software on your Mac and iTunes are up-to-date.

If your Mac doesn't recognize your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, learn what to do.

Ratz227 wrote:

I have an iPhone7+ running iOS 14.7.1 and a iMac running Catalina 10.15.7 which is the newest that it can update to.

I backup my iPhone to iCloud. Occasionally as a second source, I back it up to my computer. Today I plugged in my phone for the backup, and it says 'A software update is required to connect to your iPhone'?

Both are up to date.

I suspect this is a small update of the iOS to be compatible with the macOS you have.

Settings>General>Software Update —is there an update there...(?)

some security updates were recently released.

See if there is anything here—

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT210611

ref: Software update is required to connect to your iPhone