What's Coming Up in 2027

The office printer has spent the last few years quietly getting smarter, cheaper to run and more secure. But 2027 looks set to be a year where several trends that have been building in the background reach a tipping point.

From generative AI inside the device itself, to cloud-first print management, tighter sustainability rules and a new generation of energy-efficient hardware, here is what we expect to shape the way UK offices print, scan and manage documents in 2027.

AI Moves Into the Device Itself

By 2027, a significant share of enterprise printers and multifunction devices is expected to ship with generative AI built in.

The biggest shift coming in 2027 is that AI is moving from the software layer into the hardware. Industry analysts expect that by 2027, around 35% of enterprise-class printers and multifunction devices will be GenAI-enabled.

In practice, that means devices that can summarise a scanned document, redact personal data before it leaves the machine, translate contracts and automatically route invoices or forms to the right team member. Instead of a copier that simply reproduces paper, 2027's machines start to process it.

For UK businesses this is good news for productivity, but it also raises new questions about data handling. Any AI built into a device processes company documents, so organisations need clear policies on what the machine can see. This is exactly the sort of thing a well-managed managed print solution should cover for you.

Cloud Printing Becomes the Default

Cloud print management has grown quickly between 2023 and 2025, and that momentum is expected to carry through 2027. The cloud printing market is forecast to grow at roughly 11–12% a year, with hybrid and remote working cited as one of the main drivers.

Rather than storing print jobs on a local server, cloud print management lets employees print from laptops, tablets and phones, wherever they happen to be. Documents are released at the printer with a swipe of a card or a PIN, which cuts down on waste from uncollected prints.

While some businesses think cloud means ripping out local infrastructure, most analysts expect a hybrid approach to remain the norm. Many organisations will keep part of their print setup on-site for reasons of speed, data sovereignty and reliability, while using the cloud for management, reporting and secure mobile printing.

Sustainability Shifts From Optional to Expected

Energy efficiency, remanufactured parts and paperless workflows will be core buying criteria by 2027.

Sustainability is moving rapidly from a nice-to-have to a procurement requirement. As the UK continues tightening energy and emissions reporting for larger businesses, printing is under the spotlight because it is one of the more visible sources of office waste.

Expect 2027 devices to have lower power draw in standby, faster warm-up times and stronger support for duplex printing, print release and digital-first document routing. Manufacturers are also pushing remanufactured toner cartridges and device take-back programmes.

Running a leased or rented machine is often the greener option, because service partners keep firmware current, replace worn components efficiently and take responsibility for end-of-life recycling. If sustainability is on your agenda, our guide to reducing your office's carbon footprint is a good starting point.

Security Becomes a Board-Level Concern

Connected printers that handle sensitive documents need encryption, authentication and careful management.

As printers become more connected — and as AI starts reading the documents that pass through them — they attract more attention from cyber attackers. Printers often sit on the network with outdated firmware and default credentials, which makes them an easy entry point.

By 2027 we expect organisations to treat print security as seriously as they treat laptops and phones. That means firmware patching, encrypted storage, user authentication, secure print release and monitoring of print activity, all managed centrally.

A good managed print contract should include this as standard. That's why businesses increasingly choose photocopier rental from specialists who maintain security protocols and firmware for them.

Smarter Buying, Fewer Surprises

Analysts expect that by 2027, around one in three workgroup-class print devices will be purchased online. That change is forcing finance and IT teams to rethink how they buy and support hardware — and how they keep visibility over what is being spent.

At the same time, managed print is growing faster than traditional break-fix services, because it brings predictable monthly costs, automatic toner fulfilment and proactive servicing. Instead of paying per repair, businesses pay for pages printed and peace of mind.

That model is likely to become the default for smaller and mid-sized UK businesses by 2027. If you want a real-world feel for the numbers, our 2026 photocopier rental price guide gives a useful benchmark.

What This Means for Your Office

The office printer of 2027 will be secure, connected, more energy-efficient and increasingly intelligent.

The good news is that most businesses do not need to rush to replace everything at once. The shift to AI-enabled, cloud-managed and more secure devices will happen gradually, and many of the benefits are available today on current-generation machines through firmware updates and managed services.

A sensible plan for 2027 is to review your estate in the next six months. Identify the machines due for replacement, check what your current contracts include, and decide whether cloud print management, secure print release and more efficient devices would translate into real savings.

If your current copier is showing its age, a modern machine will often pay for itself in lower running costs and fewer breakdowns. Our team can compare photocopier sales and rental options against your real usage.