As we approach 2026, the printing and scanning landscape is undergoing a fundamental transformation. With 73% of organizations planning to refresh their print infrastructure in 2025-2026 alongside broader technology upgrades (84% increasing AI expenditure, 79% adopting AI-enabled PCs), the modernization of workplace printing has become a strategic priority. But the evolution goes far beyond the transition from traditional to digital processes.
Security has emerged as the most pressing concern facing organizations. According to Quocirca’s 2024 Print Security Landscape report, only 16% of IT decision-makers remain confident in their print infrastructure’s security—a notable 3% decline from the previous year. With data breaches from insecure printing methods affecting more than two-thirds of enterprises, and the estimated global cost of cybercrime projected to reach $15.6 trillion by 2029, print security can no longer be treated as an afterthought. Organizations are responding by implementing zero-trust architectures (35% of surveyed companies have already deployed this for printers), conducting formal print security assessments (37%), and seeking solutions that are secure by default.
These technologies, along with cloud-based solutions that enable remote access and seamless collaboration, are redefining what’s possible in print and scan environments. As we look ahead to 2026, the Mopria Alliance is uniquely positioned to lead this evolution, delivering driverless, universal printing and scanning technology that addresses security concerns and simplifies workflows across 9,500+ certified printer models.
Member Insights: The Year Ahead
To understand how these trends will shape 2026, we asked Mopria Alliance members to share their perspectives. Below are key themes driving our discussion.
Security & Zero-Trust Infrastructure
As print security concerns intensify and only 16% of IT leaders express confidence in their print infrastructure, how is your organization addressing these challenges? What security innovations or approaches do you see becoming critical in 2026?
“As we approach 2026, workplace printing and scanning are being transformed by security and intelligence. Organizations are prioritizing zero-trust frameworks, secure PIN authentication, and encryption standards to protect sensitive workflows. Firmware security and proactive patch management are increasingly critical as businesses modernize their print infrastructure.
As a committed Mopria Alliance member, Kyocera is a pioneer in Print Support Application (PSA), supporting Microsoft Protected Print mode (MPP) and driverless printing to deliver secure, universal solutions. By combining advanced security measures with intuitive, AI-enabled workflows, Kyocera helps organizations to confidently embrace the next generation of printing and scanning.”
-Dilinur Wushour, President at Kyocera Document Solutions Development America, Inc.
Cloud Printing & Remote Workforce Support
As hybrid and remote work models continue to evolve, how is your organization enhancing cloud-based printing and scanning solutions? What features or capabilities will be most important for distributed workforces in 2026?
“As hybrid and remote work models continue to evolve, organizations are increasingly treating cloud-based printing and scanning as critical enterprise services rather than routine IT functions. Supporting a distributed workforce at scale has exposed the limitations of traditional, driver-centric printing, particularly in environments with heightened security requirements and fragmented print paths. Delivering a consistent, predictable print experience across devices, locations, and operating systems has thus become a baseline expectation.
In this context, PDF has firmly established itself as the de facto standard across digital and modern print workflows. As platform players such as Mopria, AirPrint, and Microsoft IPP-class drivers move toward driverless printing, PDF has emerged as the common language that enables reliable, cross-platform output across mobile, cloud, and on-prem environments. Looking toward 2026, the capabilities that matter most include driverless print operation, seamless mobile and cloud printing and scanning, true cross-platform support across Windows, Android, and iOS, and robust, built-in security.
Leading print OEMs depend on Adobe Embedded Print Engine to deliver a true “what you see is what you get” print experience across cloud, mobile, and edge environments. Building on this foundation, Adobe is now combining AI-driven, pre-RIP intelligence with its next-generation RIP technology to deliver the Adobe Embedded Print Experience.”
-Arnav Sinha, Principal Product Marketing Manager at Adobe
The Evolution of Document Capture
Scanning technology is increasingly sophisticated, with capabilities extending far beyond simple digitization. What advancements in scanning and document capture do you see driving value for enterprises in 2026?
“Enterprise document capture is entering a new era. By 2026, organizations will harness AI-powered image enhancement and intelligent data extraction to deliver consistently high-quality results—even from imperfect originals. These technologies will accelerate decision-making by automating classification and extraction tasks, reducing manual effort.
Seamless integration with workflow automation platforms will transform captured data into actionable processes, triggering approvals, compliance checks, and analytics with minimal human intervention. Support for diverse formats—including PDFs, rich media, and handwritten notes—will enable unified content management across the enterprise.
The future of document capture is intelligent, automated, and secure; empowering organizations to maximize value and drive operational excellence.”
-Eric McCann, Manager, Technology Portfolio Architect at Lexmark
The trends shaping 2026 present both challenges and opportunities for organizations worldwide. As security threats intensify and hybrid work models become permanent fixtures of the business landscape, IT leaders must rethink their approach to print infrastructure. The convergence of these trends demands solutions that are not only technically sophisticated but also fundamentally simpler to deploy and manage.
This is where universal printing and scanning standards deliver transformative value. By eliminating the complexity of driver management, reducing security vulnerabilities through driverless technology, and providing seamless compatibility across 9,500+ certified devices, Mopria certified solutions address the core challenges identified by IT professionals. Whether your organization is implementing zero-trust frameworks or supporting distributed teams across multiple locations, universal standards provide the foundation for secure, efficient, and future-ready print environments.
The Mopria Alliance brings together industry leaders committed to advancing these standards and shaping the future of workplace printing and scanning. As you evaluate your print infrastructure strategy for 2026, consider how universal, driverless technology can reduce IT overhead, enhance security, and support the evolving needs of your workforce.
Ready to future-proof your organization’s printing and scanning infrastructure? Learn more about Mopria certified solutions at mopria.org.
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The Mopria Alliance is a non-profit membership organization of leading global technology companies developing universal standards for printing and scanning. Learn more at Mopria.org.
