If you’re a business owner or office manager in Salt Lake City gearing up to upgrade your office copier or printer in 2026, the landscape has changed. Office technology is no longer just about putting ink on paper. It’s about how your equipment integrates with your team’s workflow, how secure your documents are, how much you’re spending on printing, and how future-ready your business is.
Whether you run a law firm in Sugar House, a construction company in West Valley, or a healthcare clinic in South Jordan, knowing the top copier and printer trends for 2026 can help you make smarter, more cost-effective decisions. This year is all about adaptability, efficiency, and security—and making sure your office technology does more than just print.
Here’s what you need to know before you buy, lease, or upgrade your copier or printer this year.
1. Cloud Printing is the New Standard—Not a Luxury
In 2026, cloud printing is no longer a trend—it’s expected.
Your team is mobile. They work from home, from the office, from job sites, or even coffee shops. The ability to print or scan from anywhere—securely—is a must. Today’s leading devices from Xerox, HP, Kyocera, Canon, and Zebra come cloud-ready out of the box. Whether it’s Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, or custom enterprise platforms, cloud integration means your team can send and receive documents without needing to be near the printer.
You’ll also see tighter integration with document storage and workflow tools—scanning to cloud folders, automating approvals, and syncing with platforms like SharePoint or Dropbox.
What it means for you: Look for devices that support cloud-native apps, remote management, and automated workflows. Cloud printing also helps reduce IT support calls and wasted time on outdated drivers.
2. Secure Printing is a Priority in Every Industry
Cyber threats in 2026 are more sophisticated, and your printers are no longer safe by default. They’re endpoints—just like laptops and mobile devices—and can be entry points for hackers if left unprotected.
Modern copiers and MFPs come equipped with advanced security features like:
- User authentication (via PIN, card, or mobile badge)
- Secure print release (only prints when the user is present)
- Encrypted document transmission
- Firmware integrity checks and automatic updates
- Activity logs and auditing
If you’re handling sensitive documents—contracts, medical records, financial data—these features aren’t optional. And in regulated industries, they help ensure compliance with HIPAA, PCI, and other frameworks.
What it means for you: Prioritize machines with robust embedded security features. Ask your provider (like Associated Business Technologies) how they support ongoing patching and monitoring.
3. AI and Predictive Service Reduce Downtime
Artificial intelligence has made its way into your office equipment—and not just as a buzzword.
In 2026, top manufacturers have developed predictive diagnostics systems that track your device’s performance, toner levels, part wear, and usage patterns in real time. These systems can alert you—or your service provider—before something breaks.
That means fewer emergency service calls and less downtime. Toner and parts can be pre-shipped before failure. And issues that used to require a technician visit can often be resolved remotely.
What it means for you: Look for printers and copiers with built-in remote monitoring or AI-driven diagnostics. When paired with a local service provider like Associated Business Technologies, it keeps your operations running without costly disruptions.
4. Leasing Is Outpacing Buying—With Good Reason
Salt Lake businesses are becoming more strategic with their capital. In 2026, leasing has become the preferred model for office equipment across industries—from law offices to real estate brokerages to nonprofits.
Why? Leasing preserves cash flow, gives you access to better equipment, and ensures you can upgrade every few years without major financial impact. And with service contracts often bundled in, you have fewer surprise costs.
Leasing also means your technology stays current with trends—cloud features, security protocols, and energy-efficient designs—all without a large upfront spend.
What it means for you: Leasing may be the best route if you’re growing, changing offices, or want predictable costs. ABT offers flexible leasing plans for every business size in Utah, with simple upgrade paths and local support.
5. Wide Format and Production Devices Are Now More Accessible
In the past, wide format printers and production-grade machines were only used by design firms, engineering departments, or large print shops. But in 2026, businesses of all sizes are adopting them.
From KIP’s precision CAD plotters to Canon’s production color presses and Formax finishing solutions, these tools are now more compact, affordable, and user-friendly. Marketing teams are bringing more printing in-house. Architects and engineers are printing blueprints on demand. And retail businesses are using wide format for signage, banners, and display graphics.
What it means for you: If you’re outsourcing print jobs frequently, it’s time to run the numbers. Bringing wide format or production printing in-house could save you money and give you faster turnaround.
6. Mobile Printing and BYOD Support Are Essential
Your workforce uses smartphones and tablets for everything—and your copier or printer should too.
In 2026, mobile printing isn’t just nice to have—it’s expected. Whether through AirPrint, Mopria, or manufacturer apps, your team should be able to print, scan, and access settings right from their phone. And it should be simple.
For Salt Lake City offices with high BYOD (bring your own device) usage or hybrid workforces, this means easier access, faster printing, and fewer support tickets.
What it means for you: Look for copiers and printers that offer seamless mobile support with app-free options and secure access from any device.
7. Toner Management and Auto Replenishment Are Smarter Than Ever
Running out of toner during a deadline? Not anymore.
Smart toner management systems now track real-time usage and automatically reorder supplies when they’re low. Whether it’s Xerox’s automated supply delivery, Kyocera’s Fleet Services, or Canon’s UniFLOW platform, your business no longer needs to assign someone to monitor toner levels or chase down last-minute refills.
This also reduces waste, prevents over-ordering, and keeps your team focused on more valuable work.
What it means for you: Choose a provider that includes automatic toner replenishment as part of your service plan—like ABT does for all managed print customers in Utah.
8. Sustainability Is a Buying Priority
Eco-conscious printing isn’t just a PR move—it’s smart business. In 2026, manufacturers have made big strides in sustainable technology.
That includes:
- Lower energy consumption (EnergyStar-certified devices)
- Longer-lasting toner and drums
- Automatic duplex printing as default
- Recyclable components and closed-loop toner recycling programs
From reduced power draw to fewer service calls, sustainable devices are helping Salt Lake businesses save money and reduce their carbon footprint.
What it means for you: Ask about energy efficiency ratings, consumable yield, and recycling programs when selecting your next device.
9. Smart Document Workflows Boost Productivity
The real ROI of your copier or printer isn’t just in prints per minute—it’s in what it helps your team do.
In 2026, intelligent document workflows turn your multifunction printer into a business productivity hub. With simple touchscreen apps, your team can:
- Scan to email, folder, or cloud instantly
- Convert scanned documents to searchable PDFs or Word files
- Automatically route documents to the right person or department
- Trigger approvals and notifications as part of an onboarding or billing process
What it means for you: If your team wastes time on manual processes or file conversions, upgrading your copier may unlock hours of time savings per week.
10. Local Support and Service Are Still #1 for Peace of Mind
While all this technology is great, it’s only as good as the support behind it.
That’s why more Salt Lake City businesses are choosing local partners like Associated Business Technologies—not just for the device, but for full support: installation, setup, training, maintenance, and emergency service when you need it.
National brands can’t match the speed, responsiveness, and local knowledge that Associated provides across the Wasatch Front. From Draper to Ogden, your business deserves a partner who understands how you work—and who answers the phone when it matters.
What it means for you: Look for a vendor that does more than just sell equipment. Choose one that provides full-service support, toner delivery, on-site service, and real guidance.
Ready to Future-Proof Your Office?
The copier or printer you choose in 2026 will impact your business for years to come. Whether you need secure printing, mobile access, or advanced workflow automation, there’s a solution that fits—and Associated Business Technologies is here to help you find it.
As Utah’s trusted source for business technology, we don’t just sell devices—we help you solve problems. Our local experts will guide you through your options, assess your current setup, and make personalized recommendations based on how your team really works.
Let’s get started today. Book your free consultation with our Salt Lake City team and discover how future-ready office technology can move your business forward.
