If you haven't seen that page, every older version, 2013 and 2014, no longer have any corresponding links to their respective download pages.
http://www.r4isdhc.com/r4-download/
So unless you are providing him any links to any firmware updates. I am neither incorrect or false about what I am explaining.
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Seems your confusing YSMenu, a system menu, with firmware updates. If you want to prove me wrong, provide links to the corresponding files he would need to update the firmware on his old R4 clone.
Are you some kind of mind reader?, you haven't even asked him if he is running it on a DSi or 3DS. It doesn't even say anywhere in the OP what handheld he is using.