Garmin map update Release Date vs. Ship Date

 

What's the difference between their Release Date vs. Ship Date? For some versions there are 3-4 months lag between the dates! Which is the date you can actually order the update?

Ship Date

My understanding is that you need to wait for the Ship Date. They may release it to manufacturing to build inventory earlier.

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Garmin StreetPilot c530, Mapsource

That makes sense. Sorta

That makes sense. Sorta like when a movie or video game is released. Walmart has the stuff, just can't sale it until the 'ship date'

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Charley - Nuvi 350 - Bel STI Driver - Cobra 29 w/ wilson 1000 - AIM: asianfire -

The release date determines

The release date determines whether or not you are eligible for a free update. If you unlock/register after the release date, you will be eligible for an update to the latest version, whenever it ships.