connect iPhone to M2 Air without upgrade to Sequoia

Are you seeing a notification that "A software update is required to connect to iPhone"?

If so, that is not a requirement that you upgrade the Mac to a new macOS. It's simply a request to allow a small communication update to happen. It's a quick and easy update for your current macOS version. You should allow it.

If your Mac says that a software update is required to connect to iPhone or iPad - Apple Support

Connect how? If you mean iPhone Mirroring, Sequoia is required. Not sure what problems you mean, Sequoia is running fine on my Macs (though as usual for me, I waited for x.1 to update).

Is your iPhone old and cannot upgrade Anymore? If the iPhone is not too old you might want to consider upgrading

If this is not possible you might want to give this as feedback to apple so that they can look into it. Please do so using this form Product Feedback - Apple