TargetBridge

Use an Intel iMac as an external display for an Apple Silicon MacBook — free, no dongle, via Thunderbolt Bridge.

Apple removed Target Display Mode on Apple Silicon. TargetBridge brings it back via software, streaming your MacBook screen to the iMac at up to 5K over a direct Thunderbolt cable.

Screenshots

Sender (MacBook Apple Silicon) — waiting for connection:

Sender — active stream (5K, HEVC):

Receiver (Intel iMac) — waiting for sender:

Download

→ Download latest release (pre-built apps, no Xcode needed)

• TargetBridge.app.zip — Sender for MacBook Apple Silicon
• TargetBridge-Receiver.app.zip — Receiver for Intel iMac

Unzip and double-click. On first launch, grant Screen Recording to the sender.

Requirements

• MacBook Apple Silicon (M1 or later) — sender
• Intel iMac 2017 or later — receiver
• Thunderbolt 3/4 cable

Stream profiles

• Standard · 2560 × 1440 — low latency, high stability
• 5K · 5120 × 2880 — sharper image, HEVC, slightly more load

Projects

• TargetBridge-Sender
• TargetBridge-Receiver

Quick start

• Italian: TargetBridge-QuickStart-IT.md
• English: TargetBridge-QuickStart-EN.md