The specs on the Brother website for the MFC-J4340DWE printer say the minimum supported OS is 10.14.x. Does this mean the printer won't work with 10.12.x, does it mean they won't repair it or update the software, or does it mean something else? I'm using a mid-2012 MacBook Pro. Thank you.
MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 10.12
Sometimes, a printer has higher operating system requirements because of setup, ink management or similar software. Whether this is the case here is not known to me.
However, it is interesting to note that the Brother MFC-J4340DW is listed as a supported printer in About AirPrint - Apple Support. The printer driver section in https://www.brother.co.uk/support/mfcj4340dw/downloads also has a clear AirPrint recommendation under macOS 10.14.x.
Normally, the AirPrint technology as such works with even earlier operating systems (maybe as low as Mac OS X 10.7 or OS X 10.9). Just as one example, I have used AirPrint with a completely different Brother (laser) printer under macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
However, this will have to be tested on a case by case basis. Do you already have this printer, or are you planning to buy one?
In order to use AirPrint, the printer and the Mac computer must be connected to the same network (Wi-Fi router). AirPrint does not require additional drivers.
Sometimes, a printer has higher operating system requirements because of setup, ink management or similar software. Whether this is the case here is not known to me.
However, it is interesting to note that the Brother MFC-J4340DW is listed as a supported printer in About AirPrint - Apple Support. The printer driver section in https://www.brother.co.uk/support/mfcj4340dw/downloads also has a clear AirPrint recommendation under macOS 10.14.x.
Normally, the AirPrint technology as such works with even earlier operating systems (maybe as low as Mac OS X 10.7 or OS X 10.9). Just as one example, I have used AirPrint with a completely different Brother (laser) printer under macOS 10.13 High Sierra.
However, this will have to be tested on a case by case basis. Do you already have this printer, or are you planning to buy one?
In order to use AirPrint, the printer and the Mac computer must be connected to the same network (Wi-Fi router). AirPrint does not require additional drivers.
The advantage with AirPrint-supported printers is that they are compatible with new Mac computers and operating systems (as well as many old ones, as indicated earlier). No need for additional printer drivers. Printing is also possible from iPhones and iPads without extra apps.
It is often difficult to find Mac printer drivers today for many printers.
If necessary, you could of course buy a very basic Wi-Fi router (in case one is not available now). AirPrint works with wireless (Wi-Fi) or wired (Ethernet) network connections. One can even use the local side of the router (WLAN or LAN) only, without an active Internet (WAN) connection, for AirPrint printing purposes.
Any chance of testing AirPrint somewhere (local dealer?) with your existing mid-2012 MacBook Pro and macOS 10.12 Sierra?
(By the way, a mid-2012 MacBook Pro should be able to use up to macOS 10.15 Catalina)
I do not have that printer. However, I have a number of other AirPrint-enabled printers including several from Brother that work with operating systems as old as OS X 10.11.6 which predates even Sierra. They also work with every newer OS version up to and including the latest.
So, I think yours should work.
Thank you, Jan, for your very speedy and detailed reply. I did see about AirPrint, but I don't use Wi-Fi, so that's no good to me. I was about to click to buy the printer and then I thought I'd better check the requirements so, no, I've not bought it. It does seem that none of the current Brother printers of the spec I need – print, scan, copy, ADF (important), but I don't need fax – works with such an old OS, but I'll keep looking and I'll check with Brother and Apple (who don't seem to be available to chat with during the weekend). I might end up having to buy a more recent computer so that I can update the OS to work with a printer. Seems a bit topsy-turvy and wasteful to me!
I do have a Wi-Fi router, but I don't like using Wi-Fi. I prefer to use a wired connection. But if an Ethernetconnection would work instead of wireless, that would be great. Thank you!
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Is Brother MFC-J4340DWE printer compatible with MacOS 10.12.6 (Sierra)?
