If you're a fan of Apple products like iMacs and MacBooks, you might have found yourself wishing that Apple would allow iMacs to be used as screens for other devices like MacBook Pros (MBPs). This feature, known as target display mode, used to be available on older iMac models, but unfortunately, it's not supported on newer ones.
Target Display Mode was a handy feature that allowed users to connect their MacBook or other compatible devices to an iMac and use it as an external display. For creative professionals or anyone who needed more screen real estate, this was a game-changer. However, Apple made the decision to discontinue this feature on newer iMac models starting in 2014.
So, if you have a newer iMac and you're looking to use it as a display for your MacBook Pro, what are your options? Well, there are still ways to achieve a similar setup, but they require some additional hardware and setup.
One option is to use a third-party software solution that allows for screen sharing between devices. There are various applications available that enable you to mirror your MacBook's display on your iMac wirelessly or through a wired connection.
Another option is to use a hardware solution like a capture card. A capture card is a device typically used for recording or streaming gameplay from consoles, but it can also be used to connect your MacBook to your iMac. By connecting your MacBook's video output to the capture card and then connecting the card to your iMac, you can effectively use your iMac as an external display for your MacBook.
While these workarounds can be effective, they may not provide the same seamless experience as the native target display mode. There can be issues with latency, image quality, and compatibility, depending on the specific setup you choose.
As of now, Apple has not signaled any plans to bring back target display mode to newer iMac models. However, with each new software update and hardware release, there's always a possibility that Apple could reintroduce this feature in the future. In the meantime, exploring third-party solutions or alternative setups can help you achieve a similar multi-screen setup with your MacBook and iMac.
Hopefully, this article has shed some light on the current situation regarding using iMacs as screens for MacBook Pros. While it may not be as straightforward as it once was, with a bit of effort and the right tools, you can still enjoy a dual-monitor setup with your Apple devices.