Two factor authentication

To see how to 'Get a verification code and sign in with two-factor authentication', click here --> https://support.apple.com/HT204974

- Use a Trusted Device: Mac, iPhone, iPad, Watch. Code is either generated automatically or manually using Settings on the Trusted Device.

- Text or phone call to a trusted telephone number (also landlines or could even be a phone from any company).

- Get a code from an Account Recovery Contact --> https://support.apple.com/HT212513

- Instructions at the end about what to do if you cannot get a code and need to use account recovery.

I very much doubt it is going to go away given that more and more businesses are requiring two-factor in some form or other. Many are doing it not just to protect their customers but also to protect themselves. While I am sure you are very security conscious, not everybody is but when they get in a mess they expect the business to clean up the mess. Go out and buy yourself a $20 no contract phone if you don't have anything else and don't have any friends who are willing to act as recovery contacts.

If you wish to share you opinion with Apple, click on this link for Apple products feedback links --> http://www.apple.com/feedback/

P.S. Remember that responses on this forum rarely come from anybody who works for Apple. We're mostly just users like you who can't do anything about this.

The problem with using email is this is a security measure. Should your log-in data be compromised this prevents the thief from just logging into your email to get the verification code needed to completely unlock your account.

It really strikes me you are not following what I am posting. The main aspect of Two Factor Authentication is using a trusted device which can be a telephone number. In fact many of the problem posts we get here are where people have lost their phone or changed their number and can not get the verification code they need to sign in on a different device. Apple decides it can trust its own hardware security so it includes it in the list of ways to get a verification code. However, there are many ways to get a code without Apple hardware so your initial contention in your first post is not correct.

Old accounts don't have two factor enabled on them although Apple keeps on pestering you about it if you don't sign up. Any new accounts have it enabled by default.