For iMacs, Apple lists the iMac Pro and the models introduced in 2018 or later, with macOS Monterey or later. No iMac came out in 2018, so that means the 2019 iMacs and newer. Apple: Continuity requirements
What AirPlay to Mac does
With AirPlay Receiver turned on, a Mac shows what an iPhone, iPad or another Mac sends it. Both devices need Wi‑Fi on and must be on the same network. Apple: Stream video and audio with AirPlay
Apple describes it as streaming video and audio and mirroring a screen. Second Display is built for another job: an extra display that keeps your windows.
If your iMac should be in the list
For a 2019 or newer iMac, check these on the iMac:
- macOS Monterey or later.
- AirPlay Receiver is on: System Settings › General › AirDrop & Continuity (AirDrop & Handoff on some versions), or System Preferences › Sharing on Monterey.
- Allow AirPlay for is set to Anyone on the Same Network or Everyone, not only Current User.
- Wi‑Fi is on, on both Macs, and they share one network.
What works on an iMac from late 2015 or 2017
Second Display makes the iMac an extra display for the Mac you work on. Your Mac sees it as a monitor you plugged in, and you drag windows onto it. It runs on any iMac with macOS 12.3 or later, which means late 2015 and newer, and the Mac you work on needs macOS 14 or later. Which iMacs can be a display
- Thunderbolt cable. The sharpest picture: exactly what your Mac draws, at 60 frames per second. Thunderbolt: which cable and which port?
- Wi‑Fi or Ethernet. The same network AirPlay uses, with a slightly softer picture. Use Wi‑Fi or Ethernet
A late 2015 iMac has Thunderbolt 2 ports. Apple’s Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter and a Thunderbolt 2 cable connect it, or use Wi‑Fi. Use a late 2015 iMac as a monitor
An iMac from 2009 to mid 2014 can use Apple’s Target Display Mode instead. Target Display Mode and newer iMacs
Side by side
| Question | AirPlay to Mac | Second Display |
|---|---|---|
| iMacs | iMac Pro and 2019 on, macOS Monterey or later | Late 2015 on, macOS 12.3 or later |
| Connection | Wi‑Fi network | Thunderbolt cable, Wi‑Fi, Ethernet or USB‑C |
| Set up | AirPlay Receiver on the iMac | The app on both Macs; they find each other on their own |
| Price | Built into macOS | Free for 7 days, then $39 once |
More on AirPlay, Sidecar and Universal Control: how they compare. Set up Second Display on both Macs.
More guides: use an old iMac as a monitor and an alternative to Target Display Mode.
Questions
Why is my iMac not showing in AirPlay?
AirPlay to Mac needs an iMac Pro or an iMac from 2019 or newer, with macOS Monterey or later. An iMac from 2017 or earlier can’t receive AirPlay, whatever macOS it runs.
My iMac is new enough but still doesn’t show up. What do I check?
Turn on AirPlay Receiver on the iMac and set Allow AirPlay for to Anyone on the Same Network. The full list is above.
Does AirPlay to Mac work over a cable?
Apple describes AirPlay to Mac over a Wi‑Fi network. Second Display also works over a Thunderbolt cable.
Can I use Second Display over Wi‑Fi like AirPlay?
Yes. Put both Macs on the same Wi‑Fi or Ethernet network. The picture is slightly softer than over a Thunderbolt cable.