A software update is required to connect to iPhone

I'm on a Mac Mini running Monterey 12.6.2

I'm trying to connect my iPhone 13 (iOS 16.2) to iTunes.

I receive the message:

"A software update is required to connect to iPhone - Would you like to download and install this update now?"

I presume that if I select that, then it will update my Mac Mini to Ventura.

Is this what will happen?

I absolutely cannot upgrade to Ventura because I have too much software that is not yet compatible with that version.

Has it been confirmed what this update will do?