Device Info Does Not Contain app_ver

why is Device Info event is not reliable for detecting the app version of the session itself?

Only the first device info event sends the information, after installation.

Is this information sent after an update to the game as well?

Yes, you can use Charles Proxy to confirm. https://support.unity3d.com/hc/en-us/articles/115002917683-Using-Charles-Proxy-with-Unity