Microsoft is expanding printer support beyond Windows by integrating its Universal Print cloud service with Apple’s macOS platform. The move aims to provide Mac users the same simplified printing experience that Windows devices currently enjoy.
Available previously just for Windows, Universal Print lets people easily print documents, photos, webpages and more from a variety of applications. The subscription service runs on Microsoft’s Azure cloud, enabling a seamless printing process without the need for local driver software.
“Whether people are on Windows or macOS, they have a seamless, no learning curve print-experience,” Microsoft stated. The goal is to empower Apple users to effortlessly print from any app, just as Windows users can today.
Ideal for enterprise and business settings where employees share printer access, Universal Print for macOS enters preview testing in January 2024. Microsoft is targeting a full public launch in June. Specific system requirements for Macs are still unannounced, but Windows 10 support requires builds from 2019 onward.
Ironically, this news follows recent printing-related headaches for some Windows users. Microsoft announced it will cease support for third-party printer drivers on Windows devices. Additionally, some Windows 10 and 11 users found HP’s “Smart” print app unexpectedly installed without their permission. The app for controlling HP printers was showing up even on non-HP machines.
