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2017 iMac as display for 2012 iMac

How can I use my 2017 27" iMac as a display for my 2012 27" iMac

iMac 27″, macOS 10.14

Posted on May 8, 2023 8:58 AM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 8, 2023 10:13 AM

You cannot.


Read carefully the Related Article linked above your post:

Only the following older iMac models could be used as an external display when plugged into another older Mac model:

  • iMac models introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, and mid 2014 using Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable.
  • 24-inch and 27-inch iMac models introduced in 2009 and 2010 using Mini DisplayPort cable.


There is potential for you to use the 2012 iMac as a display in this way for the 2017 iMac, given the following caveats:

  • The intended target iMac must be running macOS 10.13 High Sierra or earlier; it does not work with macOS 10.14 Mojave or later, or with Boot Camp and Windows.
  • Retina display iMacs won’t work as target displays.
  • In all cases the source Mac that you're connecting FROM must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS 10.15 Catalina or earlier installed.



10 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 8, 2023 10:13 AM in response to ESLTeacher2022

You cannot.


Read carefully the Related Article linked above your post:

Only the following older iMac models could be used as an external display when plugged into another older Mac model:

  • iMac models introduced in 2011, 2012, 2013, and mid 2014 using Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 cable.
  • 24-inch and 27-inch iMac models introduced in 2009 and 2010 using Mini DisplayPort cable.


There is potential for you to use the 2012 iMac as a display in this way for the 2017 iMac, given the following caveats:

  • The intended target iMac must be running macOS 10.13 High Sierra or earlier; it does not work with macOS 10.14 Mojave or later, or with Boot Camp and Windows.
  • Retina display iMacs won’t work as target displays.
  • In all cases the source Mac that you're connecting FROM must have been introduced in 2019 or earlier and have macOS 10.15 Catalina or earlier installed.



May 23, 2023 7:36 AM in response to Keith Barkley

I wanted to come back with an update. The Luna Display you recommended did not work, as I want to use my 2017 iMac as the second screen. But the same people that make the Luna Display (Astropad) also make a device that does work. It's called the Luna Mini Displayport. I can now see and control my 2012 iMac from my 2017 iMac.


Thank you, Keith Barkley! I would probably never have found it without your suggestion.

2017 iMac as display for 2012 iMac

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