Apple announced on Wednesday that it has released the first iOS 4.2 beta to developers with its new AirPrint wireless printing framework, a feature first mentioned at Apple's iPod media event earlier in September. AirPrint will allow not just iPads, but also iPhones and iPod touches to print to compatible printers connected to a WiFi network when the iOS 4.2 update is released in November.

AirPrint technology allows automatic discovery of printers on local WiFi networks, and eliminates the need for installing or configuring printer drivers. The downside is that manufacturers must enable their printers to work with the technology. When iOS 4.2 launches next month, only Hewlett-Packard ePrint-compatible printers will work with AirPrint. However, an Apple spokesperson told Ars that more printer makers will be adding support in the near future.

Apple said that AirPrint is designed to work with a variety of printer models, from entry-level inkjets up to workgroup laser printers. It can also access printers that are shared via a Mac or PC connected to the local network, so the printer itself doesn't need to be WiFi-enabled.

Wireless printing was seen as an important missing feature for the iPad in particular, especially for enterprise and educational use. Though it may take some time for a wider variety of printers to work with AirPrint, the technology should make iOS devices more useful in office settings.