Printing on USB printers with iPad Pro

Apple already has a supported solution - it’s “driverless” - and is called AirPrint.

The reason that you cannot directly connect to a USB Printer is because iPadOS does not support installation of individual device drivers - other than via a manufacturer provided App. Connection of a USB printer on any computer (such as a PC, Mac) requires installation of a matching device driver.

AirPrint is driverless technology. If your printer has been manufactured in recent years, it may support AirPrint. If it doesn’t support AirPrint, then you must look for a Printing App (in the Apple App Store) from the manufacturer of your printer. If your printer doesn’t support AirPrint - and doesn’t have a printing App - then your printer is not compatible with iOS/iPadOS.

Hello,

As you have indicated, there is an HP Neverstop Laser 1000a in the AirPrint list of printers (About AirPrint - Apple Support). There is also an HP Neverstop Laser 1000w.

BTW, the HP article http://h20195.www2.hp.com/v2/GetDocument.aspx?docname=4AA7-4476EEAP shows Apple AirPrint only for the 1000w printer, whereas Apple AirPrint is mentioned (under mobile printing capability) in both the following two technical specifications (the first for 1000a, the second for 1000w):

https://www8.hp.com/in/en/printers/product-details/product-specifications/22955692

https://www8.hp.com/in/en/printers/product-details/product-specifications/22955696

The reason for mentioning AirPrint for the USB only model is difficult to understand. Could it possibly just be a couple of typographical errors, or is there somehow a way or idea of using AirPrint via a USB connection to a network (print server)?

Anyway, the best solution in this case would of course be if you could get a 1000w printer instead. If that is not possible, using an extra/older Mac as a print server could perhaps be of interest (see, for example, the Macworld article https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/ipad/print-ipad-iphone-wireless-3459464/).

The HP tech specs for that printer indicate is not a wireless printer at all so only prints to devices cabled to it through its usb 2.0 port.

You should submit feedback to Apple so they can correct the list of airport printers from HP -> https://www.apple.com/feedback/

specs from -> https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c06301844

Hello,

You are welcome to share your feedback with Apple using the following link.

Product Feedback - Apple

Apple gets their information from the printer manufacturers. Also, HP has an app, and it will probably support you using the printer. Go to the App Store, search for HP Smart.

Sorry to hear that. I would reach out to HP Support with your question about your printer being AirPrint compatible, yet not working. They should be able to work with you on the problem.