with the latest updates, the dji app cant make up its mind if my rc needs an update.  Last week i updated everything (big mistake, no image transmission now) and now on every other start up the app says i need to update the rc. As i write this it tells me i need an update even though this morning it didnt. i just rebooted everything and now it says I dont.

I had same problem.  After reading,  4 ever,  i found a thread where there is a sequence you need to follow,  since i updated to all newest,  rc at 1.6 sum. Try this,  worked 4 me.
Power on remote, (do not power on dji app) than aircraft.  Than once linked,  power app up.
I've not had any video issues,  or remote update messages,  going this route.
Controller,  aircraft,  than dji go app. Hope it helps

The sequence I've always used is:
1) Aircraft....wait for the boot up tones on the gimbal to beep after the gimbal dance
2) Remote
3) DJI GO App

(I actually have the DJI Go app automatically launch when i turn on my RC - I use Android tablet).

Haven't had these issues with this sequence, either.

As long as it works!
I'm used to always powering remote on,  than aircraft.  For 10 plus yrs in rc hobby. Always power rc on b4 aircraft.  But I'm learning with dji and or drones, either or is fine.  As it works 4 u.
Most important,  is rc and aircraft in b4 app. (And i guess with your case,  the aircraft is on,  and app comes on when remote powered.  So djigo is last to turn on. ) bottom line i guess lol.

Hello Jetboys, what kind for mobile device do you use and what's your RC's current firmware version?

DJI-Paladin Posted at 2016-7-1 23:36
Hello Jetboys, what kind for mobile device do you use and what's your RC's current firmware version?

I use ipad air2 and rc firmware is 1.6.0

Jetboys Posted at 2016-7-3 00:32
I use ipad air2 and rc firmware is 1.6.0

Have you tried to reinstall the app?

DJI-Paladin Posted at 2016-7-3 22:54
Have you tried to reinstall the app?

several times

Jetboys Posted at 2016-7-4 22:23
several times

Will the update notification come up when you use other mobile devices?

DJI-Paladin Posted at 2016-7-4 22:19
Will the update notification come up when you use other mobile devices?

yes , ipad pro and iphone 6s and ipad air 2

Jetboys Posted at 2016-7-5 22:29
yes , ipad pro and iphone 6s and ipad air 2

Sorry for the delay. If all of the devices have the same issue, I'd suggest you to get in touch with our US tech support and send it in for diagnosis.Normally when the upgrade finished successfully, this notification shouldn't prompt up again.