DS Firmware Update Frequency
Mon, 04/21/2025 - 11:47am
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    15 years
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Finally got around to updating my DS55 since about a year back. The maps have gone up each year (2026.10 as of now) but there normally would be a firmware update as well. It's been a year since the last update and the only thing changed was a time zone fix. I was surprised to still see it at v.10.2. Wondering if a) there is nothing to update, b) they're not supporting older DS series as I am still using the DSx5 series, or c) a new firmware updating might be pending. Obviously unless you work for Garmin, we'll never know but found it interesting that this was the first 12 month cycle w/o an update.
Preroll wrote: Finally got
Finally got around to updating my DS55 since about a year back. The maps have gone up each year (2026.10 as of now) but there normally would be a firmware update as well. It's been a year since the last update and the only thing changed was a time zone fix. I was surprised to still see it at v.10.2. Wondering if a) there is nothing to update, b) they're not supporting older DS series as I am still using the DSx5 series, or c) a new firmware updating might be pending. Obviously unless you work for Garmin, we'll never know but found it interesting that this was the first 12 month cycle w/o an update.
I have a Nuvi 3597 and haven't had an F/W update in a log time.
A F/W update, I suspect, has no relationship to map updates and are like BIOS updates on computers - eventually they get all the critical bugs out and stop updating.
I agree
I agree with this, I feel like it has been way too long without a firmware update. I have a DS66, and I have noticed some routing bugs and glitches that I reported to Garmin, so I feel like there is definitely still some reasons to release a new firmware update.
-Dewey
Firmware update
I can't remember there ever being a firmware update for my ancient 1350 LMT.
an94
Firmware update
I can't remember there ever being a firmware update for my ancient 1350 LMT.
I have to agree. It would not surprise me if half or more of the On The Road devices needed no firmware updates, and for my devices that did get a firmware update, it was one, or at most, two. My inventory includes one Drive and five nuvi models.
The 1100-1300 series nüvis
The 1100-1300 series nüvis did get firmware updates. I know as I tested a firmware update on my 1300 they created after one of my bug reports showing a nasty system crash. The big surprise however was seeing the 200 series units getting a firmware update to allow for a second map.
Those were the days. Today I wonder if they even test the firmware they put in the units. My DS65 will frequently spontaneously reboot after calls. Occasionally my DS76 reboots after dismissing the upcoming stops on route display on the right of the screen.
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams
Garmin Firmware updates.
Garmin used to publish change logs when a device had firmware updates. Sadly, they stopped doing this for most newer devices that now get firmware updates directly through WiFi rather than depending on Garmin Express. But on many of the older units, the firmware change log links are still available on the FAQ: http://www.poi-factory.com/node/46396.
You can see that the 13xx nuvi had multiple firmware updates over the years. The last one was in July 2015.
Alan - Android Auto, DriveLuxe 51LMT-S, DriveLuxe 50LMTHD, Nuvi 3597LMTHD, Oregon 550T, Nuvi 855, Nuvi 755T, Lowrance Endura Sierra, Bosch Nyon
DS55
I was planning on buying a DS55 after I started having problems with my NUVI 3957. It is very disapointing when companies stop supporting their products. I am not sure if I should still get the DS55. I was told that the DS55 was a good replacment for my Nuvi 3957. I do not know of another model that I would like as much as the Nuvi 3957.
What problems?
I was planning on buying a DS55 after I started having problems with my NUVI 3957. It is very disapointing when companies stop supporting their products. I am not sure if I should still get the DS55. I was told that the DS55 was a good replacment for my Nuvi 3957. I do not know of another model that I would like as much as the Nuvi 3957.
What type problems are you having?
John from PA
Used
I was planning on buying a DS55 after I started having problems with my NUVI 3957. It is very disapointing when companies stop supporting their products. I am not sure if I should still get the DS55. I was told that the DS55 was a good replacment for my Nuvi 3957. I do not know of another model that I would like as much as the Nuvi 3957.
Given your thoughts, look to eBay for used or recertified nuvi 3597 models.
Agreed
I was planning on buying a DS55 after I started having problems with my NUVI 3957. It is very disapointing when companies stop supporting their products. I am not sure if I should still get the DS55. I was told that the DS55 was a good replacment for my Nuvi 3957. I do not know of another model that I would like as much as the Nuvi 3957.
I have several newer Garmins, and aside from larger screens & Wi-Fi updates, none are "better" than my beloved 3597.
It is nice to see that Garmin is using the powered magnetic mounts, pioneered by the 3597, on some of their higher end models.
Which of Garmin's current
Which of Garmin's current units use a magnetic mount?
The Drive 53, DriveSmart 66, 76, 86, and EX variants of the same use a ball mount, and I wouldn't consider the RV or trucker units to be "high end".
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams
Ironically...
We're having this discussion about firmware update frequency and my DS76 gets a firmware update. I'll see if my DS65 is blessed with an update or not when I get home.
"Anyone who is capable of getting themselves made President should on no account be allowed to do the job." --Douglas Adams
hello
hello
unusable Nuvi 3957
I was planning on buying a DS55 after I started having problems with my NUVI 3957. It is very disapointing when companies stop supporting their products. I am not sure if I should still get the DS55. I was told that the DS55 was a good replacment for my Nuvi 3957. I do not know of another model that I would like as much as the Nuvi 3957.
What type problems are you having?
The unit is separating (the body from the glass) I think the battery expanded but not sure. Don't know why it happened. However, before that all of my files and home page icons disappeared.