Old HP OfficeJet Printers Suddenly Obsolete After Firmware Update—What’s Going On?

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Is HP secretly “bricking” older OfficeJet printers through firmware updates to push customers toward buying new models?
That’s the question sparking backlash and debate after reports that some users of older HP OfficeJet printers found their devices losing key cloud-based functions following recent updates, effectively limiting usability despite the hardware still working. Critics argue this looks like a form of planned obsolescence—where software updates and cloud dependency gradually render older products less functional—while suggesting it pressures customers into upgrading sooner than necessary. HP, however, denies any intentional effort to disable or “brick” legacy printers, saying the issues are related to cloud infrastructure changes, security updates, and the natural end of support cycles for aging devices. Still, the controversy highlights growing consumer frustration over connected hardware that can change behavior after purchase, fueling suspicion that firmware updates may sometimes do more than just improve performance—they may redefine how long a device remains usable.

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May 26, 2026 at 10:50 AM