Second monitor for iMac

Question

Level 1

4 points

Second monitor for iMac

I'm thinking of purchasing a new iMac. Can I use my old iMac 27" (late 2012) as a second monitor? If so what thunderbolt cable do I need?

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Dec 28, 2022 4:52 PM

Reply

Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

den.thed

Level 10

82,552 points

Dec 28, 2022 5:11 PM in response to MartyParty2

The new iMac's do not support using the 2012 iMac as a second display in Target Display Mode.

see > Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support

Best bet is to get an aftermarket 24" or 27" external display to use with the new iMac.

see > Connect an external display to your iMac - Apple Support

Reply

Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

144,108 points

Dec 28, 2022 10:05 PM in response to MartyParty2

No, Target Display Mode has been dead since 2014 and NEVER worked on Apple's own silicon. Den.Thed is correct, just buy yourself an external display to do the job. Much easier than Target Display Mode ever was, less expensive (doesn't require expensive adapters) and MUCH more reliable.

Reply

Second monitor for iMac

Similar questions