Old Intel iMacs using ARM-based imac as secondary monitor with sidecar.

[duringtherapy]

Hi, first post although I have been visiting this site for about 10 years now!

It just came to mind that although I am excited for the new ARM based iMacs arriving later this year, I sadly still have to use windows for numerous reasons and would still buy the new ARM-based iMac but will still have keep my intel iMac.

I was just wondering if I could connect my old imac(2017) to the ARM-based one using sidecar go back and forth when I would like to use ARM-based apps, wondering if this was plausible workflow and your thoughts as well as if anybody else was thinking about this as well!

Thanks,
Jason

 

[Falhófnir]

I don't think target display mode works with the retina iMacs, which would be the solution to what you're looking to do as opposed to sidecar which is specifically for iPads (to my knowledge?). There are a few third party apps, but I think they aren't as stable/ useful as the baked in solutions so probably not ideal if its going to be mission critical/ used a lot.

 

[duringtherapy]

I don't think target display mode works with the retina iMacs, which would be the solution to what you're looking to do as opposed to sidecar which is specifically for iPads (to my knowledge?). There are a few third party apps, but I think they aren't as stable/ useful as the baked in solutions so probably not ideal if its going to be mission critical/ used a lot.

Hmm I didn't quite think of a third party option b/c I'm was not planning to use the new ARM iMac as glorified secondary monitor but rather be able to use it as a secondary screen for my intel iMac and move between both OS smoothly when needed. But, I googled a bit after seeing your response and I see that even now the sidecar doesnt work between two intel iMacs? I did find something called Luna display which is a third party software and dongle which I don't want.

I wonder if apple is gonna update sidecar so it can be used as a secondary monitor for other apple products other than the iPad.

 

[Boil]

Hi, first post although I have been visiting this site for about 10 years now!

It just came to mind that although I am excited for the new ARM based iMacs arriving later this year, I sadly still have to use windows for numerous reasons and would still buy the new ARM-based iMac but will still have keep my intel iMac.

I was just wondering if I could connect my old imac(2017) to the ARM-based one using sidecar go back and forth when I would like to use ARM-based apps, wondering if this was plausible workflow and your thoughts as well as if anybody else was thinking about this as well!

Thanks,
Jason

Sidecar is intended for iPads / iPad Pros & Macs (and it needs a lot of work)...

What you need is this (I am sure they will update for Apple Silicon Macs)...

 

[JMacHack]

Apple hasn't announced anything in terms of Sidecar support for Apple Silicon Macs, so I wouldn't expect it upon release.
That said It'd be a perfect candidate to replace Target Display Mode down the line, and if the AS Macs share a wider codebase with iOS, then I can't think of any reason why it couldn't be a feature eventually.

 

[MyopicPaideia]

Code base and hardware as well. Could be something to replace Target Display Mode as you say, but it depends on how they intend for the user to use Sidecar. It could be exclusive to iPads as well.

 

[Boil]

I just want to be able to Sidecar my iPad Pro to my Mac Pro Cube & use it as a secondary monitor, but also have touchscreen capabilities; yes, even within Mac Programs, touch when using Sidecar (iPad / iPad Pro)...