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2018 MacBook Pro connecting to late 2009 27" iMac Target Display Mode: Command+F2 does nothing

I think it's because I'm using a Mini DisplayPort cable, not a Thunderbolt cable. The MDP cable and Target Display Mode works great with a mid-2014 MacBook Pro. Can someone confirm that a Thunderbolt cable will fix the problem? Have you connected a 2018 MBP to a late 2009 27" iMac?


I've already read the support article: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592

MacBook Pro with Touch Bar

Posted on May 6, 2019 8:31 AM

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Posted on May 6, 2019 8:52 AM

The late 2009 27" iMac is supported, but not with a Thunderbolt cable or adapter. You need a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter to connect your Mini DisplayPort cable to a Thunderbolt-3 port on the MacBook Pro

https://www.uptab.com/uptab-usb-c-type-c-to-mini-displayport-adapter-4k-60hz-silver/

or you could use a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cable.

https://www.startech.com/AV/display-and-video-adapters/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-mini-displayport-cable~CDP2MDPMM6B

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 6, 2019 8:52 AM in response to Abbo P

The late 2009 27" iMac is supported, but not with a Thunderbolt cable or adapter. You need a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort adapter to connect your Mini DisplayPort cable to a Thunderbolt-3 port on the MacBook Pro

https://www.uptab.com/uptab-usb-c-type-c-to-mini-displayport-adapter-4k-60hz-silver/

or you could use a USB-C to Mini DisplayPort cable.

https://www.startech.com/AV/display-and-video-adapters/usb-c-video-adapters/usb-c-mini-displayport-cable~CDP2MDPMM6B

May 6, 2019 9:07 AM in response to Abbo P

Apple does not make a "Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Mini DisplayPort adapter". You probably mean the Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter.

Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple

"Note: This adapter does not support DisplayPort displays like the Apple LED Cinema Display or third-party DisplayPort and Mini DisplayPort displays. "


Also see:

About the Apple Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter - Apple Support

"This adapter is not compatible with displays that use DisplayPort or Mini DisplayPort, such as the Apple LED Cinema Display. Thunderbolt and Thunderbolt 2 are not the same as Mini DisplayPort , though the ports have the same shape."

May 6, 2019 8:53 AM in response to macjack

Thanks for your reply, macjack. According to the article, Late 2009 27" iMacs do support Target Display Mode.



Plus, as I mentioned, I've been using Target Display Mode successfully with a mid-2014 MacBook Pro.


The question is whether my iMac and Target Display Mode is compatible with a 2018 MacBook Pro. I'm hoping someone in the Apple Community can confirm whether they use that combination or have first-hand experience with it.

2018 MacBook Pro connecting to late 2009 27" iMac Target Display Mode: Command+F2 does nothing

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