So by 'requires' you mean offers it as one possible option? Your post already mentions the most obvious alternative - update via iTunes, and you can also use t

So by 'requires' you mean offers it as one possible option? Your post already mentions the most obvious alternative - update via iTunes, and you can also use the lightning-USB adapter and a USB NIC. I'm not sure I really understand the purpose of your post here, unless it was to incite some sort of ire from Apple haters?