MacOS 12 Monterey supports using a second Mac as an external display: wirelessly wired

MacOS 12 Monterey supports sending content to a second Mac via AirPlay. Users can also use this feature for screen mirroring, turning a spare machine into an external display.

In addition to using AirPlay wireless, the MacOS 12 Monterey also lets users connect two MacOS devices using a USB cable, significantly reducing latency and eliminating the need for a wireless network.

Even when you have a Wi-Fi network, using USB may be more popular because the connection is smoother and more responsive. However, because AirPlay automatically compresses content before transmitting it to a second device, it’s unlikely to eliminate latency completely.

This feature allows iMac models from 2009 to 2014 to be used as a second display on another Mac, and AirPlay to Mac will work on the following machines:

MacBook Pros from 2018 or later

MacBook Air 2018 or later

IMacs in 2019 or later

IMac Pro 2019 or later

Mac Pro 2019 or later

The Mac Mini, 2020 or later

MacOS Monterey will be available this fall and will be a free upgrade for all compatible devices.