Can no longer update iPhone via iTunes, can't download software because of a network problem

I have the same issue. I have High Sierra 13.6.3 installed on a Mid 2010 Mac Mini. (The support pages on not connecting say these meet the requirements).  After being unable to connect my iPad 9th gen,  which is

running iOS 17.3 now, I tried all the suggestions on the support site for iPad not connecting, including an update to newest iTunes by download from the App Store.

I installed iTunes 12.8.3.1 successfully. Same problem as you, need a software update, then got the message "Installation failed- Cannot download the software because of a network problem.", It is not clear whose software need an update, the Mac or iPad. The iPad says it's up to date iOS 17.3. And the Mac Mini is updated as high as it can go on a mid2010 mini.  So it is a mystery.

Next someone suggested I try Recovery mode where you connect the iPad by cable and initiate Recovery Mode and click Update to see if that would work. (to see how,  do a search for iPad Recovery Mode)

Worked OK at start when I press Update, but then get similar message that a software update is needed, then original ""Installation failed - Cannot download the software because of a network problem." comes up. See pic below, if this site lets us paste?

I have older devices that are running iOS 15 that work fine with the new iTunes as far as backup, and

connection is same as always.  As you noted,  my Photos connect properly still so the two are communicating if only partially.

So there is a definite issue now trying to use iTunes to connect to iOS devices running iOS 17.3, and all efforts to

bypass that error seem to fail.

Any help would be appreciated. I have always used my Mac to backup all our Apple devices, please don't tell me I have switch everything over Win 10  iTunes. I have iTunes  ver 12.13.1.3 now in my home computer running Win 10, and tried it, it does connect to the iPad 9th with no errors, unlike on Mac.