Printer drivers compatibility with macOS updates

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Printer drivers compatibility with macOS updates

I'm currently using a Brother MFC-J4420DW printer, the drivers for which have not been updated beyond MacOS v12 (Monterey), thereby locking me into that OS.

I'd like to upgrade my OS to the latest, thus I need a new printer.

Of the various manufacturers of printers, which do the best job of keeping their drivers up to date? Or has this question been made obsolete by recent standardization of some sort?

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: Printer drivers

Apple TV 4K, tvOS 18

Posted on Sep 3, 2025 05:53 AM

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Answer 1

Barney-15E

Level 10

121,238 points

Sep 3, 2025 06:30 AM in response to Towpath

If you buy a printer with AirPrint support, they don’t need manufacturer’s drivers. If it has a Scanner, ICA is the equivalent driverless solution. They may not specifically mention ICA, but if they use the built-in Image Capture app, that is what you need.

Some special features may not be supported under AirPrint, so if you need something non-standard, make sure it is supported.

I haven’t installed a manufacturer’s driver for a printer since 2006.

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