Reports surfaced that HP began remotely pushing firmware updates to its printers, then encountered issues with inexpensive, non-genuine cartridges. This sequence of events was documented by Ars Technica in its Edition coverage.
At present, the issues appear to be concentrated on inkjet models. The online conversation is dominated by complaints from owners of several OfficeJet lines, including the OfficeJet 7740, OfficeJet Pro 6970, and OfficeJet 6978. In some instances, HP has reportedly blocked the use of non-genuine supplies on printer models that are no longer actively sold or supported.
The updated firmware introduces tighter management of the so-called dynamic security chip embedded in cartridges. HP has employed this digital rights protection feature since 2016. Typically, cartridges missing a compatible chip are offered at a lower price, which creates a tension between cost savings and compatibility assurances for users.
According to Ars Technica, this appears to be the first major firmware-driven enforcement of cartridge authentication on such a scale since the 2016 actions. At that time, HP faced a wave of class-action lawsuits in multiple jurisdictions after blocking third-party cartridges. In the United States, Australia, and Italy, the company ultimately provided compensation to affected customers, underscoring the legal and consumer risk associated with cartridge restrictions.
Earlier discussions in media circles noted that British consumer outlets highlighted how printer and scanner controls can be perceived as difficult by younger users. These reflections underscore a broader dialogue about user experience, product longevity, and the economics of downstream consumables in modern printing ecosystems.