use new iMac 27in as external display for MacBook?

Hello - can the new iMac 27in be used as an external display for a MacBook (13 in Retina display early 2015 running El Capitan)? I have understood that the Target Display mode does not work for iMacs running OS after Mojave. So is there any other way to use the iMac as an external display?


The MacBook is my main work computer and I would like to be able to use it at home and take advantage of the 27in display on the iMac.


Thank you!

MacBook

Posted on Aug 22, 2020 12:39 AM

Reply
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Posted on Aug 22, 2020 4:36 AM

Scandie wrote:

Thank you for the rapid reply! That is really surprising (and annoying) that Apple has removed this useful function. So if you want to have an external display for a MacBook - you have to now either buy the XDR Display (which as you say is crazy expensive) or go to a non-Apple product? Disappointing.

Thank you for the help!

Apple abandoned the Target Display mode 6 years ago

on iMacs. There are literally a multitude of displays available

from the cheap to outrageously expensive and everything

in between.


If you still insist on using the iMac "as a display", the only option

available is Screen Sharing over ethernet which for many is more than

sufficient.

Share the screen of another Mac - Apple Support

3 replies
Sort By: 
Question marked as ⚠️ Top-ranking reply

Aug 22, 2020 4:36 AM in response to Scandie

Scandie wrote:

Thank you for the rapid reply! That is really surprising (and annoying) that Apple has removed this useful function. So if you want to have an external display for a MacBook - you have to now either buy the XDR Display (which as you say is crazy expensive) or go to a non-Apple product? Disappointing.

Thank you for the help!

Apple abandoned the Target Display mode 6 years ago

on iMacs. There are literally a multitude of displays available

from the cheap to outrageously expensive and everything

in between.


If you still insist on using the iMac "as a display", the only option

available is Screen Sharing over ethernet which for many is more than

sufficient.

Share the screen of another Mac - Apple Support

Reply

Aug 22, 2020 12:51 AM in response to Scandie

Hello!

Sorry, but Apple does not allow iMacs to be used as external displays.


If you wanted an external Apple display you can buy a cheap on Amazon or Ebay. If you wanted an external apple display there is always the Pro Display XDR, however they start at a very high price.


Take care!

Reply

Aug 22, 2020 1:22 AM in response to KurtABum

Thank you for the rapid reply! That is really surprising (and annoying) that Apple has removed this useful function. So if you want to have an external display for a MacBook - you have to now either buy the XDR Display (which as you say is crazy expensive) or go to a non-Apple product? Disappointing.


Thank you for the help!

Reply

This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

use new iMac 27in as external display for MacBook?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.