Use a 2017, 2019 or 2020 iMac as a monitor
Apple's Target Display Mode ended with the mid-2014 iMac, so newer iMacs have no built-in way to work as an external display. DispMini fills that gap with two small apps and one cable.
Which iMac models work
DispMiniReceiver runs on an iMac from 2017 or later with macOS 13 or later. We've tested the two models marked below on real hardware. The other regular 2017–2020 iMacs meet those requirements, and we haven't tried iMac Pro or Apple silicon iMacs. If you try one, tell us how it goes.
| iMac | Screen | Latest macOS from Apple | DispMini |
|---|---|---|---|
| iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2017) | 4096 × 2304 | Ventura 13 | Tested |
| iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2017) | 5120 × 2880 | Ventura 13 | Tested |
| iMac (21.5-inch, 2017) | 1920 × 1080 | Ventura 13 | Meets requirements, not tested |
| iMac (Retina 4K, 21.5-inch, 2019) | 4096 × 2304 | Sequoia 15 | Meets requirements, not tested |
| iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019) | 5120 × 2880 | Sequoia 15 | Meets requirements, not tested |
| iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2020) | 5120 × 2880 | Tahoe 26 | Meets requirements, not tested |
| iMac Pro (2017) | 5120 × 2880 | Sequoia 15 | Not tested |
| iMac (24-inch, M1 or later) | 4480 × 2520 | Still supported | Not tested |
iMacs from before 2017 aren't supported. If yours is from 2014 or earlier, it may support Apple's own Target Display Mode. See Target Display Mode alternatives.
Which Macs can send the picture
DispMiniSender needs an Apple silicon Mac running macOS 14 or later. It's built mainly for the Mac mini, and also works on a MacBook or a Mac Studio. Intel-based Macs can't be the sender.
The cable you need
Use a Thunderbolt 3 or later, or USB4 data cable, directly between the two Macs. A USB-C charging cable can look identical but won't work. Look for a Thunderbolt symbol or a 40Gbps USB4 marking.
- Mac mini with M4 or M4 Pro: use the ports on the back. The front USB-C ports aren't Thunderbolt.
- Mac Studio with a Max chip: use the Thunderbolt ports on the back.
What it's like to use
- Sharp text: the picture matches the iMac's real screen dimensions, so it isn't a scaled, softened mirror.
- Automatic: once both apps start at login, the Macs reconnect by themselves.
- Sound: your Mac mini can play through the iMac's speakers.
- Keyboard and mouse: you can optionally control the Mac mini with the iMac's own.
- Still a computer: swipe or use a keyboard shortcut to get back to the iMac's own desktop.
What it won't do
- It isn't a video input. The picture appears only after both Macs have logged in and the apps are running. You won't see a startup screen, and a Mac with FileVault on must be unlocked with a directly connected keyboard after each restart.
- The first setup needs a screen. macOS permission prompts must be clicked by hand, so a Mac mini with no display needs a temporary monitor or remote desktop once.
- It isn't for professional color grading. Everyday work such as typing, coding, browsing and video calls keeps up well over a cable.
- Wi-Fi isn't the design target. It can connect by hand, but quality then depends on your network.
Sources
Apple's compatibility lists for macOS Ventura, macOS Sonoma, macOS Sequoia and macOS Tahoe. Checked November 2026.