How can I use an iPad with a Retina display as an external monitor? I have three 23" Samsung LCD monitors, and I've had all three hooked up to my MacBook Pro, for a total of four displays. Problem is, the MacBook Pro's Retina display has totally spoiled me. The Samsungs now look terrible in comparison, so much so that I stick to the single MacBook Pro display as much as possible, until I have to go to multiple monitors for whatever task I'm working on (I'm a Java software engineer).

I got to thinking if it's possible to use an iPad with Retina display as an external monitor. Even better, if I could just buy iPad display replacement parts and use those as external monitors, that'd be rad, but I don't know (a) if it's possible, and (b) what kind of connector they would require.

How can I directly connect two iPads or two standalone iPad Retina displays to my MacBook Pro?
Update: There are now several competitors, such as Luna Display, as well as native support in iPadOS 13 + macOS Catalina, called Sidecar.



The app Duet Display lets iOS devices connect to a Mac that is running at least OS 10.9. The Mac needs duet software which is a free download and connects via Lightning port to the Mac in question to send the video.

The Mac app is a free download and the iOS app is available for purchase on the iOS App Store.