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Apple’s Forgotten Feature: Why Bringing Back Target Display Mode Makes More Sense Than Ever
Over 3.5 million iMacs are currently in use worldwide, many of which represent significant investments in high-quality display technology. Yet, Apple effectively rendered a key feature of those machines obsolete – Target Display Mode – and the silence around its absence is deafening. This isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s a growing disconnect between Apple’s stated sustainability goals and its product strategy, and a missed opportunity to empower its user base.
The History of a Disappearing Act
For years, Apple allowed older iMacs to function as external displays for other Macs via Target Display Mode. It was a brilliant solution for extending the life of hardware and avoiding e-waste. However, with the introduction of the 5K iMac in 2015, Apple cited technical limitations – specifically, the inability of Thunderbolt 2 to handle the increased bandwidth – as the reason for its removal. Subsequent macOS updates, Mojave and then Big Sur, systematically dismantled the functionality, leaving users with beautiful, but ultimately sidelined, displays.
Technical Hurdles Cleared: Why the Excuse No Longer Holds
The original technical constraints are no longer relevant. Modern Macs equipped with Thunderbolt 4 and Apple Silicon chips possess ample bandwidth to easily support high-resolution external displays. The argument that it’s simply “not possible” is demonstrably false. This leads to a more uncomfortable question: if it can be done, why isn’t it?
The Studio Display Factor: A Question of Profit?
The prevailing theory centers around Apple’s desire to drive sales of the Studio Display. The logic suggests that re-enabling Target Display Mode would diminish demand for the $1,299 (and up) Studio Display. While this is a plausible explanation, it’s a short-sighted one. The Studio Display caters to a specific, professional market. The average user simply seeking a larger screen for work or entertainment isn’t necessarily in the market for a dedicated, high-end display.
In fact, the iMac, even with its limitations – a smaller panel size, lower brightness, and those polarizing white bezels – offers a compelling value proposition. Many users would likely still choose the iMac as a secondary display, especially considering it comes bundled with essential peripherals and runs a full operating system.
Sustainability and the User Experience: A Missed Opportunity
Apple has increasingly emphasized its commitment to environmental responsibility. Reintroducing **Target Display Mode** aligns perfectly with this ethos. It extends the lifespan of existing hardware, reduces electronic waste, and empowers users to make more sustainable choices. It’s a win-win scenario that benefits both the planet and Apple’s brand image.
Furthermore, the feature would be incredibly valuable for users who frequently upgrade their Macs. Instead of relegating a perfectly good iMac to a closet or selling it for a fraction of its original price, they could repurpose it as a secondary display, maximizing their investment and minimizing waste. This aligns with the “right to repair” movement and a growing consumer demand for more sustainable technology.
Beyond the Display: A Potential Catalyst for Other Revivals
The reintroduction of Target Display Mode could signal a broader shift in Apple’s approach to legacy hardware. Many users have also lamented the removal of features like Front Row, a media center application that offered a streamlined entertainment experience. Reviving these beloved features, even in a modernized form, would demonstrate a commitment to user loyalty and a willingness to listen to customer feedback.
The Future is Bright (and Reusable)
The technical hurdles are gone, the sustainability argument is compelling, and the potential benefits for users are significant. Bringing back Target Display Mode isn’t about competing with the Studio Display; it’s about offering a valuable, eco-friendly option that enhances the overall Apple ecosystem. It’s a relatively simple software update that could have a profound impact. With rumors swirling about a next-generation Studio Display boasting a 120Hz miniLED panel, the competitive landscape will shift further, making the case for Target Display Mode even stronger.
What are your thoughts? Would you repurpose an old iMac as a secondary display if Apple brought back Target Display Mode? Share your predictions and experiences in the comments below!