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Mini Mac -- mid-2011 iMac

My husband is still using his mid-2011 iMac. He needs an upgrade to say the least. Can I purchase a Mini Mac and hook it up to the old Mac to save expenses? As in, I can't afford to add a decent screen... he says the old one is fine. Suggestions?

iMac 27″, macOS 10.13

Posted on May 16, 2023 2:38 PM

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Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on May 16, 2023 3:35 PM

Unfortunately, that setup is not supported by Apple. The iMac cannot be used as a monitor for any of the newest Macs and Target Display mode is no longer a feature of macOS, having been deprecated several years ago.


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


Per the link above:

• Your target iMac (monitor) must be using macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 or earlier. 

• 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.


You might consider a third-party solution, for example: Luna Display or Duet Display, but I don't believe the performance is great.


Your best option is to budget an additional $100 for an external monitor. They are that inexpensive.

7 replies
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

May 16, 2023 3:35 PM in response to cheree504

Unfortunately, that setup is not supported by Apple. The iMac cannot be used as a monitor for any of the newest Macs and Target Display mode is no longer a feature of macOS, having been deprecated several years ago.


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


Per the link above:

• Your target iMac (monitor) must be using macOS High Sierra 10.13.6 or earlier. 

• 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.


You might consider a third-party solution, for example: Luna Display or Duet Display, but I don't believe the performance is great.


Your best option is to budget an additional $100 for an external monitor. They are that inexpensive.

Mini Mac -- mid-2011 iMac

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