If you recently updated i1Profiler and found that your X-Rite i1 Pro 2 will not connect, you’re not alone. As of January 1, 2026, X-Rite officially ended support for the i1 Pro 2 family inside the latest i1Profiler software. For many print professionals, that message came as a surprise. So what now?
The X-Rite i1 Pro 2 has been a reliable workhorse since its launch in 2012. It delivered dependable color management for years. But like all hardware, it has a life cycle. As software evolves, older devices eventually fall behind modern measurement and workflow standards.
Can You Keep Using the i1 Pro 2?
Technically, yes. You can continue using an older version of i1Profiler. However, this is a short-term solution. You’ll need to avoid operating system updates that could break compatibility. Over time, this becomes risky and limits your ability to stay current with RIP software and display technologies.
If color accuracy is critical to your workflow, sticking with outdated software may not be the best long-term strategy.
Why Upgrade to the i1 Pro 3?
For most color professionals, upgrading to the i1 Pro 3 or i1 Pro 3 Plus is the logical next step. These next-generation spectrophotometers were designed for improved color accuracy, faster profiling, and greater reliability.
Here’s what makes them stand out:
- Full-spectrum LED illumination for stable, consistent measurements
- Simultaneous M0, M1, and M2 measurement in a single pass
- Improved optics for reading smaller patches with better repeatability
One of the biggest upgrades is the move from tungsten lamps to full-spectrum LED illumination. Unlike older lamp technology, LEDs provide consistent output over time. That means less measurement drift, no warm-up artifacts, and more reliable color profiles month after month.
For shops matching brand colors across prints, proofs, and displays, that stability matters. Consistency is everything in professional color management.
i1Pro 3 solutions have you covered for virtually any print job with two device options. The best device for you depends on the types of materials you print on:
- i1Pro 3 – Smooth paper
- i1Pro 3 Plus – Highly-textured paper, fabric, canvas, ceramic, and transparent materials
Built for Modern Print Workflows
The i1 Pro 3 platform is also faster and more ergonomic. Real-time positioning cues help confirm proper patch alignment, reducing user error. If you are profiling high-brightness displays, large gamut printers, or advanced CMYK+ workflows, the improved optical system delivers more precise results in less time.
There are two versions available:
i1 Pro 3
Ideal for most standard print and display profiling applications.
i1 Pro 3 Plus
Designed for larger apertures, rough surfaces, and textile applications where additional flexibility is required.
Choosing the right model depends on your production environment, but both provide a significant upgrade over the X-Rite i1 Pro 2.
Trade-In Options and Support
If cost is a concern, trade-in promotions may be available to help offset the investment. Connecting with a knowledgeable sales representative can help you understand current offers and determine which spectrophotometer best fits your workflow.
While it’s true that the X-Rite i1 Pro 2 is now obsolete in the latest i1Profiler software, this doesn’t mean the end of your color control capabilities. In many ways, it’s the beginning of a more efficient and future-ready color management system.
Upgrading to the i1 Pro 3 family helps future-proof your workflow, improve profiling speed, and maintain the tight color accuracy your clients expect. Be sure to watch our full YouTube video for a complete breakdown of your upgrade options and expert insight from our color services manager, Bob Miller.
View X-RITE i1 Color Management Solutions – Click Here
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