Apple Introduces AirPrint: Wireless Printing For iPod, iPhone And iPad

Apple has a way of creating amazing products, but then leaving out one or two somewhat obvious features. Some argue that this is their way of ensuring that early adopters are enticed to upgrade, but that's not the case here. Instead, Apple will be giving a free software update to all existing iPad owners that will add a killer feature that should have been there from launch day.

iOS 4.2 is coming together nicely for the iPad, as it's supposed to launch sometime "this Fall." Apple has this week revealed that the new software will feature something new, a little function called AirPrint. This will allow iPad users to print documents, images and more from their tablets without any cords, and better still, it will also float over to the iPod touch and iPhone.

AirPrint will be included in the free iOS 4.2 software update in November, where it will automatically find printers on local networks. Apple claims that this will be a software-free feature, with HP'e ePrint printers to gain support for printing from iOS devices first. As we said, this is a killer feature, and it'll definitely make the iPad that much more useful. It's somewhat difficult to get anything you create on the iPad, off of the iPad, so we're hoping this is just the start of that changing.

Apple’s AirPrint Wireless Printing for iPad, iPhone & iPod touch Coming to Users in November
Available First on HP ePrint Printers

CUPERTINO, California—September 15, 2010—Apple® today announced that it is releasing a beta version of its AirPrint wireless printing for iPad™, iPhone® and iPod touch® to members of Apple’s iOS developer program today, and that AirPrint will be included in the free iOS 4.2 software update in November. AirPrint automatically finds printers on local networks and can print text, photos and graphics to them wirelessly over Wi-Fi without the need to install drivers or download software. HP’s existing and upcoming ePrint enabled printers will be the first to support printing direct from iOS devices.

“AirPrint is Apple’s powerful new printing architecture that matches the simplicity of iOS—no set up, no configuration, no printer drivers and no software to download,” said Philip Schiller, Apple’s senior vice president of Worldwide Product Marketing. “iPad, iPhone and iPod touch users can simply tap to print their documents or photos wirelessly to an HP ePrint printer or to a printer shared on a Mac or PC.”

“We’re pleased to work with Apple to bring Apple’s AirPrint to our fall lineup of ePrint printers in time for the holiday shopping season,” said Vyomesh Joshi, HP executive vice president, Imaging and Printing Group. “Making it easy for our customers to print anytime, anywhere, is a key priority for HP. iPad, iPhone and iPod touch customers are going to love how easy it is to print using our new range of ePrint printers, creating high-quality printed pages in an instant.”

AirPrint is designed to support a wide range of printers from entry level inkjet printers to office laser printers. Additionally, iOS 4.2 devices can print to printers shared through a Mac® or a PC. iOS 4.2 compatible HP printers this fall include the HP Photosmart, Officejet, Officejet Pro and LaserJet Pro series ePrint enabled printers.

*AirPrint will work with iPad, iPhone 4, iPhone 3GS and iPod touch (third generation and later).

Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork, and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple is reinventing the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and has recently introduced its magical iPad which is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices.