iTunes is showing iOS 9.2.1 as newer version for iPad only. It's running iOS 9.2.1.

Apple released a revision of iOS 9.2.1, and retained the same numbering. It has to do with the Error 53 situation.

Because the update cannot be uploaded via OTA, it is something about the update. Release notes are provided when you view the beginning of the update. But you can take a look at the support document that Apple released about the update. If you see error 53 and your iPhone or iPad gets stuck on the 'Connect to iTunes' screen - Apple Support

OTA updates are generally smaller because they only contain replacement files for updated portions. However, many times these can cause issues. Also, the updates are compressed and require space on the device to uncompress for installation. The iTunes updates are a fresh version of the iOS and are many times more stable, depending on your device. Extra space is not needed on the iPhone, since everything is done on the computer. That is why when individuals have issues with doing the update OTA, they are instructed to connect their devices to the computer and iTunes and update in that fashion. I've always conducted my updates via iTunes, since my Ethernet connection is faster than the Wi-Fi and I do not have to worry about Wi-Fi interference. I've never experienced a problem with an update.

I expect the next update to be released soon. This update was to fix an immediate issue.

You know I also noticed this and was like wait, this is not the normal way i update my iPhone. Always better to check when something is out of the ordinary. It's the security aspect we humans have to be aware of. So read up and saw it was for the error 53 situation.

I'm confused, although iTunes shows that there is an update for my iPad Pro and my iPhone with the same number of the iOS version already installed on them (iOS 9.2.1), however, when I disconnected my devices from iTunes and checked for software update from the settings of both devices, they show no updates are available and the current iOS on them is updated !!! .... Any explanation?!!

I spent nearly 2 hours yesterday with Apple Support asking about this very issue. They were perplexed and claimed there was no such thing as a repair version of iOS 9.2.1. I have yet to resolve the issue with my iPhone, but this discussion thread and its subsequent replies reassure me that there appears to be no problem with this update. It seems the developers of the released "new/revised" software had not communicated their action to the support group. Too bad. 😟

Can I get an Apple representative to confirm that this update has no software adjustments as requested by the United States Government?

Not here, but if you look at the release notes, it has to do with the Error 53 issue. Apple is still refusing to comply with the FBI order. This is a user to user support forum, so you will not get Apple to come here and verify anything. Besides that, if Apple has a statement, they will make it publicly, not come here just to tell you.

All: I just "updated" to 9.2.1 (version2!) from the latest version of iTunes and now iTunes insists that I can only sync my entire music library (way way more than can fit on the device). Until this "update" there used to be an option just to sync selected playlists which is what I normally do. The sync selected

playlist option is greyed out and not selectable.

Is anybody else seeing this problem after the very odd update?

More info : Itunes is now reporting that my iphone is sync'd to another library....It has only ever been sync'd to this one library....goofier and goofier -😠

Perhaps Apple has rushed out the fix to the error 53 problem, that only affects people that broke their iphone and got it "fixed" by a third party repair service, that is causing more errors etc.

Why would you ever release a different version of an OS which is identified with the same release number as a prior version. Seems like a really dull move to me and by the number of questions on this board t has caused lots of customers confusion and time wasting. Go directly to jail and do not collect $200......

I believe the "error 53" only effected iPhones and iPads with cell service. My iPhone and iPad Air with cell service required this update, but my iPad Mini (wifi only) did not. The basic software and services remain the same. Perhaps that's why they didn't change the software version number? People may have been confused with their iPhone having 1 version of software and their wifi only iPad/iTouch having a different version.

Regarding your sync issues, I just did the update this morning on my iPhone and I don't notice any difference at all in functionality. Hate to say it, but a restore may be in your future.

Good luck with everything.

More likely it's whether your device has Touch ID or not (is it a iPad Mini . Error 53 had to do with bricking a device when its touchID sensor was replaced by a third party.