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
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.
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.
The new Mac mini’s does not require an expensive Display. He should be able to use the same external display or monitor that he is currently using with the 2011 Mac mini. All it should require, is the correct adapter.
Hello, Ton.
No, unfortunately. Your old iMac cannot be used as a monitor for any new Mac mini.
My best advice is to budget for an external monitor to go with the mini. Monitor prices start at about $100 and go up from there depending on size and features. If you look, you can find 24”-30” hdmi monitors near that price.
No, because the new M2 Mac mini does not support using any iMac as a display.
carefully read > Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
Hi D.I. Johnson,Is my MacOS High Sierra versie 10.13.6 (mid 2011) with a 21,5 inch screen suitable as a screen for the Mac mini M2? Please your reaction.
Kind egards Ton
[Edited by Moderator]
I read this as the OPs hubby is currently using a 2011 iMac.
Yes, a fine monitor on that machine, but not usable as such with a new Mac mini.
Thanks, you are correct. Not sure how I miss-read that they had an older iMac a Mac mini.
Mini Mac -- mid-2011 iMac
