What printer might I now buy today that would be compatible for this older 21.5 inch iMac v. 10.13.6 (High Sierra)? I have a Canon Pixima that has decided to print sporadically. I am not ready to buy a new computer as this does keep working nicely. We also have a newer MacBook air and iPhone but really like printing off this computer if possible. Any help would be very welcome.
iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.13
Hi,
In principle, every AirPrint printer model listed in About AirPrint - Apple Support should be compatible with macOS 10.13 High Sierra, if the printer and the computer are connected to the same network (Wi-Fi router). The AirPrint technology as such may work with operating systems as low as Mac OS X 10.7 Lion. However, if you study at the specifications for some AirPrint printers, you will notice higher system requirements in a number of cases. One reason for this could be that the printer manufacturer provides drivers for USB connections, and/or special software, for example, for setup, ink management, and similar purposes.
Hi,
In principle, every AirPrint printer model listed in About AirPrint - Apple Support should be compatible with macOS 10.13 High Sierra, if the printer and the computer are connected to the same network (Wi-Fi router). The AirPrint technology as such may work with operating systems as low as Mac OS X 10.7 Lion. However, if you study at the specifications for some AirPrint printers, you will notice higher system requirements in a number of cases. One reason for this could be that the printer manufacturer provides drivers for USB connections, and/or special software, for example, for setup, ink management, and similar purposes.
Thank you for the information.
Would it be correct to assume that the model on sale is a Canon PIXMA MG3620 (a G3620 model exists as well in some regions)?
As you have noticed, a Canon MG3620 is listed as an AirPort-supported model in the About AirPrint article, and the Canon specifications confirm this.
There are even drivers available from Canon for macOS 10.13 High Sierra, should you for some reason want to connect the printer to the iMac by USB.
The AirPrint capability should allow you to use the printer with the iMac, and your iPhone. The newer MacBook Air mentioned earlier should be OK, too. Just make sure that both Mac computers and the iPhone are connected to the same Wi-Fi network (router). If necessary (and supported by the router), WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) may make the printer connection to the Wi-Fi router a bit easier.
Good luck! Do not hesitate to post back if there are additional questions.
Yes, but special software is not needed if it is an AirPrint printer. A Mac running macOS 10.13 High Sierra should be able to print to an AirPrint-compatible printer, but you may have a problem with printer manufacturers offering "free" ink, et cetera. A manual setup is often possible.
You may want to post back with some printer types/models of interest for additional comments here.
Yes, AirPrint is an Apple technology that allows printing without additional drivers/software. AirPrint works with both wireless (Wi-Fi) and wired (Ethernet) network connections. Bluetooth is not supported.
AirPrint allows (Wi-Fi) printing from an iPhone/iPad as well, without the need for special apps.
It should be possible to find a solution for your mid-2011 iMac (running macOS 10.13 High Sierra).
First of all, do you have a working printer now? If so, which make and exact model? If it is the aforementioned Canon PIXMA, please add the model number.
Thanks again, this is all helpful. I had no idea about air printing… so I am learning.
We have a working printer. The “working” is an inadequate description as it prints every other line with fuzzy lines in between. I’ve tried various fixes & it continues this way. Sometimes I trick it & maybe more decent printing happens.
i am thinking the printing issue stems from printer. I thought it was time for a new printer without replacing the computer. Our printer is older too: Canon Pixima MG 5120.
So …if I can figure out air printing on my 2011 I-Mac, I will be happy if I find a decent priced, not too fancy printer. It’s not worth spending big bucks for an older computer, I would think.
Ideas & tips are welcome! And thanks again!
Most any of the Brother Printers should work.
Thanks once again! I am discovering what is an air printer actually is. Checking it out & it sounds like it is different than using Bluetooth connections for wireless printing? We have a MacBook Air & I use an i-phone. But I really want to print off my older mid 2011 I-Mac. And I wonder how long it will keep going, still working great! We are retired & I am supposedly our “tech” person. Old & not a lot of tech savvy. But I am patient! Any printers suggested and advice about trying to work around my older I-Mac (or if I should is appreciated!
I looked over the link above to about air print & found a list of printers. If I can figure how to set that up on my older I-Mac, I’ll purchase one listed. I noticed a canon Pixima 3620 on sale & it has air print capabilities. So I guess the rest is up to me to follow through.
Thanks! Hopefully Solved
Thanks, the printer software does seem to be the issue with older macs. A bummer but appears reality.
Thanks a bunch… learned a lot!
You're welcome!
Kind regards,
Jan
Thanks I will check this out. Ink is not as expensive either. Appreciate these ideas
OK, take care my friend. :)
compatible printer for an iMac, mid 2011 OS v. 10.13.6
