The Post-Printer Era: Why Shared Printing Is Booming in a Digital World

CHICAGO, IL – January 20, 2026 – For years, the personal printer seemed destined for the same fate as the fax machine—a relic of a bygone analog era. They were clunky, the ink was notoriously expensive, and they often sat collecting dust for months. Yet, a new report reveals a surprising trend: while the machines in our homes have vanished, the need to print has not. In fact, it’s growing.

WithMe, Inc., a company specializing in technology-powered amenities, has released its 2026 Printing Report, an extensive analysis that paints a clear picture of a fundamental shift in consumer behavior. Drawing on data from 1.1 million users who printed over 33 million pages in 2025, along with 16,000 survey responses, the report concludes that printing hasn't disappeared—it has simply moved from private desks into shared community spaces.

The Unplugged Home Office

The decline of the personal printer is stark. According to the report, a staggering 80% of apartment residents no longer own one. The primary driver for this change is a practical one: 43% of respondents cited limited living space as the main reason for forgoing the bulky hardware. As urban apartments become more compact, residents are increasingly prioritizing space over single-function devices.

This trend aligns with a broader cultural shift, particularly among younger generations, who favor access over ownership. The “sharing economy” has conditioned consumers to use on-demand services for everything from transportation to entertainment, and printing is proving to be no exception. However, while the machines are gone, the need for physical documents remains a stubborn fact of modern life. Shipping labels for returns, contracts requiring a wet signature, school assignments, and business reports still require a printer.

The data shows that half of the surveyed users now turn to shared printers at least a few times a month. More than 40% report using them as frequently, if not more, than other building amenities like gyms or pools, underscoring a demand for utility that often goes unmet.

A New Geography of Work and Printing

The catalyst that fully untethered printing from the home is the widespread adoption of hybrid work. With 70% of residents working from home at least one day per week, residential buildings have transformed into distributed offices. The report reveals that business documents now account for 30% of all pages printed through PrintWithMe’s network, illustrating that the home office needs professional-grade tools without the personal overhead.

"People want access without the headaches," said Jeff Lail, Chief Executive Officer at WithMe, in the report’s announcement. "What they don’t need is the hassle of managing it themselves. Our data clearly demonstrates that printing has simply moved from individual desks into shared spaces where it serves users and the teams that support them far more efficiently.”

This evolution has created new printing hotspots in cities characterized by dense populations, high hybrid work adoption, and a demand for modern amenities. Chicago, Austin, Atlanta, Miami, and Los Angeles are leading the charge, as residents in these urban centers expect their living environments to seamlessly support both their personal and professional lives. As work becomes more distributed, printing has followed suit, migrating from the traditional corporate office to the community lounges, coworking hubs, and cafés that now form the backbone of the modern workday.

The Amenity Arms Race Shifts from Flash to Function

For years, real estate developers and property managers focused on high-end, aesthetic amenities to attract new tenants. Rooftop infinity pools and lavish party rooms look great on a tour, but usage data tells a different story about what residents truly value. The report suggests a pivotal shift in the amenity arms race—away from spectacle and toward practical, functional services that simplify daily life.

“People argue that residents don’t print anymore, but I completely disagree,” stated Elizabeth Pearson, a Community Manager at Bell Partners. “We see constant use. Whether it’s for work-from-home tasks or everyday needs like returns or signing documents, printing is still essential.”

This sentiment is echoed by property managers who have discovered that reliable, everyday services generate higher satisfaction and are key drivers of resident retention. Fully managed solutions that handle maintenance, supply replenishment, and user support are proving to be a significant win. They provide a valuable, in-demand service for residents while freeing on-site staff from the operational burdens of managing a temperamental DIY printer setup.

“It’s hands-on for residents and hands-off for us,” commented Mignon Watkins, Assistant General Manager at BH Management’s Iconic on Alvarado. “We used to spend hours every week managing a printer that never quite met expectations. PrintWithMe changed that.”

Capitalizing on a Hidden Market

The success of this model highlights a keen understanding of an overlooked market need. By identifying the gap left by the disappearing personal printer, companies like WithMe have established a strong foothold in the rapidly growing PropTech sector. The firm’s five consecutive years on the Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing companies underscore the potent demand for its services.

The business model is designed to be a turnkey solution. For residents, it offers secure, wireless printing from any device with a simple release code, ensuring privacy for sensitive documents. For property operators, it offers a predictable cost and eliminates the operational headaches that make shared printers a notorious pain point. This dual-sided value proposition has turned what was once a frustrating chore into a seamless and valued amenity.

As urban living and remote work continue to intertwine, the line between home and office blurs further. The demand for integrated, convenient services that support this blended lifestyle is no longer a niche desire but a mainstream expectation. Properties that recognize this and invest in practical, reliable amenities are finding they are not just adding a feature, but are building a more resilient and desirable community.