Using an iMac as an external display with a MacBook Pro

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Using an iMac as an external display with a MacBook Pro

Hi there. I've googled around, but can't seem to get a clear answer on this, so thought I'd ask here.

Can anyone tell me conclusively if I can use my iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, **Late 2015**) as an external display with my MacBook Pro (15-inch, 2018)? Preferably with a cable, but possibly also via macOS Monterey's AirPlay functionality.

If it can work via cable, my iMac only has Thunderbolt 2, so it looks like I'll have to use a Thunderbolt 2 (male-male) cable and a Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter. Again, I haven't been able to find anything that says that WILL work, and it's a lot of money to hand over on a gamble, so I'm hoping someone might know for sure!

Thanks!

iMac, OS X 10.11

Posted on Nov 18, 2021 7:01 PM

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Answer 1

Jack-19

Level 8

46,266 points

Nov 18, 2021 7:03 PM in response to Apostropher Royal

Welcome to Apple Support Communities.

Sorry, you cannot.

Your iMac is not compatible with Target Display Mode or AirPlay to Mac in macOS Monterey.

Cheers,

Jack

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Answer 2

Nov 18, 2021 8:06 PM in response to Jack-19

Thanks for the reply. That's a bummer. It's such a great display.

Am I correct in saying that 'Target Display Mode' only works for iMacs from between 2009 to mid-2014 and 'AirPlay to Mac' only works for iMacs from 2019 or later?

Also, I believe 'Airplay to Mac' works both wirelessly and with a wired connection, but I'm unsure of the exact cable you need to make that work. I assume Thunderbolt 3, but are you able to confirm?

Thanks again!

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Using an iMac as an external display with a MacBook Pro

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