I just got a Mac Mini with Big Sur installed and every once in a while a full-screen ad pops up for the iPhone 12 that looks like an official ad from Apple: matching font, menu bar, etc. Any idea why this is happening? When I move the mouse, the ad disappears. Haven't been able to find anyone else reporting this issue.
Hey there! Most likely you have adware installed that was either downloaded unintentionally, or transferred from a previous backup. As I’ve never seen this behavior from a marketing standpoint from Apple.
However, can you confirm which web browser you’re using? I know Chrome as some others are more susceptible to malware than Safari is, but no browser is immune, depending on how it is used.
This is an article Apple provides if this is the case:
About pop-up ads and windows in Safari:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987
Another outdated article I like has some information that may also still be relevant:
How to avoid or remove Mac Defender malware in Mac OS X v10.6 or earlier:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202225
Some things still apply such as removing Login Items of such software, etc.
Nowadays with SIP and Gatekeeper updates, just restarting and keeping the OS up to date is sufficient.
However I, personally, have found Malware Bytes for Mac to be a good and effective tool if some still remains. There is a a free version you can use as well, this may save you some time trying to find the culprit:
https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac/
If it’s due to something else, apologize, just a hunch, but hope that helps out!
Hey there! Most likely you have adware installed that was either downloaded unintentionally, or transferred from a previous backup. As I’ve never seen this behavior from a marketing standpoint from Apple.
However, can you confirm which web browser you’re using? I know Chrome as some others are more susceptible to malware than Safari is, but no browser is immune, depending on how it is used.
This is an article Apple provides if this is the case:
About pop-up ads and windows in Safari:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT203987
Another outdated article I like has some information that may also still be relevant:
How to avoid or remove Mac Defender malware in Mac OS X v10.6 or earlier:
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT202225
Some things still apply such as removing Login Items of such software, etc.
Nowadays with SIP and Gatekeeper updates, just restarting and keeping the OS up to date is sufficient.
However I, personally, have found Malware Bytes for Mac to be a good and effective tool if some still remains. There is a a free version you can use as well, this may save you some time trying to find the culprit:
https://www.malwarebytes.com/mac/
If it’s due to something else, apologize, just a hunch, but hope that helps out!
Thanks for taking the time to provide this extensive response! Ever since I actively reassigned my screensaver to its setting, I haven't see the full-screen Apple iPhone ad issue reappear. However, if it does, I will take the good advice (duh, can't believe I didn't think of it) of taking a photo of it for further analysis.
No worries, I’d be curious to see a screen shot of it as well, and to see what screen saver setting was changed. I’ve seen lots of strange behavior over the years, but still, nothing suprises me, that keeps it interesting though 🙂. Glad you got it sorted out!
Next time it happens take a screenshot.
I can't take a screenshot. If I touch my mouse or a key on the keyboard, the ad disappears.
It appears that somehow an Apple retail ad replaced my assigned screensaver!
I'd bet it is not from Apple - can you take a pic with a phone and post it here. Make sure to obliterate any personal info first.
Random Full-Screen Pop-Up Ads From Apple (MacOS Big Sur)
