In an age where digital transformation is reshaping every industry, the world of printing continues to evolve in exciting new ways. From advancements in connectivity to enhanced user experiences, emerging technologies are creating unprecedented opportunities for more efficient, user-friendly, and secure printing solutions. Mopria Alliance members are at the forefront of this change, pioneering innovations to meet the demands of today’s mobile and digital-first world.
In this roundtable discussion, we gathered insights from Mopria Alliance members Kyocera, Lexmark, and Microsoft, each bringing a unique perspective on the future of printing. They’ll share their thoughts on where printing technology is headed, the role of mobile and cloud-based printing, and the role of sustainability in future printing developments.
What do you believe are the most exciting emerging technologies in printing today, and how do you see these shaping the future of the industry?
Emerging technologies in the printing industry are revolutionizing how businesses and consumers engage with printers and printed materials. Below are three advancements I find particularly exciting:
1. Smart and Connected Printers
IoT-enabled printers are transforming printing into a seamless process by offering predictive maintenance, cloud integration, and mobile accessibility. These advancements enhance convenience and boost productivity in various settings. As hybrid work environments become the norm, these printers will integrate effortlessly with enterprise systems, positioning them as central hubs in workflows.
2. Augmented Reality (AR) Integration
AR-enabled printed materials create immersive experiences, bridging physical and digital media. They are particularly impactful in marketing and educational contexts, offering enhanced engagement for users. The integration of AR with printing could redefine how consumers interact with products and services, opening up innovative opportunities for storytelling and interaction.
3. Artificial Intelligence in Printing
AI is driving significant improvements in workflow optimization, predictive analytics, and image enhancement, making print processes more efficient and cost-effective. Fully automated print environments powered by AI will enable smarter, data-driven production, empowering businesses to deliver customized and high-quality outputs at scale.
-Dilinur Wushour, President at Kyocera Document Solutions Development America, Inc.
As mobile devices continue to dominate how people work and interact, what role do you see for mobile and cloud-based printing in the future?
As mobile devices dominate modern work, mobile and cloud-based printing are becoming essential. While printing from mobile phones at home is typically straightforward, enterprise environments present unique challenges, such as the need for secure, seamless integration with existing workflows. Mopria helps address these challenges. Cloud-based printing complements mobile integration by enabling flexibility, scalability, and remote printing. Mobile devices can further enhance security/privacy and reduction of waste by facilitating features like secure job release, where print jobs are only released once authenticated by the user while at the printer. These innovations streamline operations, improve security, and offer user-friendly solutions in a mobile-first, digital world.
-Issa Khoury, Principal Product Manager Lead for Print at Microsoft
Sustainability is a major focus across industries today. How do you see the printing industry evolving to address environmental concerns?
We see the print industry playing a key role in contributing to environmental standards and certifications.
Devices need to be produced using materials derived from sustainable sources and designed to have minimal impact on the environment throughout the print lifecycle.
This requires the printing industry to incorporate sustainable best practices in materials, energy use, emissions, packaging, and overall carbon footprint.
You can minimize costs by keeping devices in use longer and save on supplies through our digitally informed supply chain operations. Print systems designed with long-life imaging components save resources, reduce waste, and require less maintenance, saving you money over the life of each device.
At the end of the day, the focus of the print industry needs to be improving both your business and reduce environmental impact with:
- Sustainable design
- Efficient use
- Responsible reuse and recycling
-Eric McCann, Manager, Technology Portfolio Architect at Lexmark
Looking Ahead
As the discussion with Mopria Alliance members highlights, the future of printing promises to be both dynamic and impactful. With advancements in universal print drivers, mobile and cloud-based printing solutions, and a strong commitment to sustainability, the industry is well-positioned to adapt to new demands and support digital transformation efforts across sectors.
The Mopria Alliance remains dedicated to driving these innovations forward, fostering a printing ecosystem that is increasingly accessible, secure, and environmentally responsible. As we look ahead, we’re excited to continue working alongside our members to build a future where printing seamlessly supports both professional and personal workflows in a rapidly changing world.
