‘New firmware required’: Chip shortages force Epson to redesign ink cartridges 

The change affects all Epson wide format SureColor P6000, P7000, P8000, and P9000 printers worldwide. “To use these new cartridges, the printers require new firmware BEFORE installing the new cartridges in the printer or running out of ink in the current cartridges,” Epson said.

In a surprise announcement, titled “Ink Cartridge Transition and Necessary Firmware Update,” Epson America said: “Due to the continuing chip shortage, Epson UltraChrome HD and HDX ink cartridges of all sizes will transition to a different design with new part numbers starting June 1, 2023.

“This change affects the Epson SureColor P6000, P7000 [pictured], P8000, and P9000 printers worldwide. To use these new cartridges, the printers require new firmware BEFORE installing the new cartridges in the printer or running out of ink in the current cartridges. For that reason, it is critical that all customers update their printer to the latest firmware as soon as possible.

“Epson is committed to the quality and performance of its printing solutions and there is no chemical or formula difference between the old and new inks. The current ink cartridges have a chip that notifies the printer to send a low ink warning or to replace cartridges. The new ink cartridges will operate without that chip. Ink levels will instead be determined by an internal droplet count done by the printer. This measurement method may lead to an earlier indication of low ink levels than the previous cartridges. To compensate for this potential variance in ink level reporting, Epson America is lowering the end user purchase price.

“For more information or instructions on how to update your firmware, please view the video [above], then download the firmware by selecting your model link below.”

More details here.

https://www.epson.com.au