Tuner got an error message when trying to apply the uodate. APR was able to see the flash attempt and told me that ecu had to be cracked open a second time and then obd port flashing would be possible. I know it doesn’t make sense...
Sounds like your tuner may be misinformed?
IIRC the initial tune was a bench flash which required taking out the ECU. But any updates after that can be done via OBD.
When i had my tuner update me to v2.4 he had to try 4 times because he was having trouble connecting to my ECU. He said its happens sometimes but generally its limited to something being with the car.