iPad, iPhone Wireless Printing in Beta

Apple is bringing wireless printing to the iPad, iPhone, and iPod touch. The company announced Wednesday the release of the AirPrint beta to its iOS development community.

The technology will allows developers to integrate wireless printing capabilities into their apps. AIrPrint is designed to find printers automatically over a wireless LAN and print "text, photos, and graphics" without the need for third-party software drivers. HP "ePrint-enabled" printers will be the first supported by the new technology.

On the user side, Apple said AirPrint will be included in a forthcoming update to iOS (the operating system powering iPads, iPhones, and iPod touch devices). The new release, iOS 4.2, is expected to be available in November.

Apple said AirPrint will "support a wide range of printers from entry level inkjet printers to office laser printers" and will also allow printing to devices shared through Mac OS X or Windows-based systems. Apple named several HP printers that will be supported out of the gate, including Photosmart, Officejet/Officejet Pro, and LaserJet Pro.

According to information released today by Apple, AirPrint will not run on the iPhone 3G or earlier. Supported devices include iPhone 4 and iPhone 3GS, as well as iPad and second-generation iPod touch.

About the Author

David Nagel is the former editorial director of 1105 Media's Education Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal, STEAM Universe, and Spaces4Learning. A 30-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art, marketing, media, and business publications.

He can be reached at [email protected]. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidrnagel/ .


Featured

  • Complete College America Launches Center to Boost Data-Driven Student Success Strategies

    National nonprofit Complete College America (CCA) recently launched the Center for Leadership, Institutional Metrics, and Best Practices (CLIMB), with the goal of helping higher education institutions use data-driven strategies to improve student outcomes.

  • teacher

    6 Policy Recommendations for Incorporating AI in the Classroom

    The Southern Regional Education Board's Commission on AI in Education has published six recommendations for states on adopting artificial intelligence in schools, colleges, and universities. The guidance marks the commission's first release since it was established last February, with more recommendations planned in the coming year.

  • computer screen displaying a landline phone being unplugged from a single cord, with a modern office desk, keyboard, and subtle lighting in the background

    Microsoft to Discontinue Skype Services

    Microsoft has announced that it is shutting down service for its Skype telecommunications and video calling services on May 5, 2025.

  • Two figures, one male and one female, stand beside a transparent digital interface displaying AI symbols like neural networks, code, and a shield, against a clean blue gradient background.

    Report Makes Business Case for Responsible AI

    A new report commissioned by Microsoft and published last month by research firm IDC notes that 91% of organizations use AI tech and expect more than a 24% improvement in customer experience, business resilience, sustainability, and operational efficiency due to AI in 2024.