Can’t set up new iPhone 15 Pro because old SE phone is dead and can’t receive text for 2 factor authenticating

My wife’s iPhone SE died. We do have her Apple ID and password. When setting up newly purchased iPhone 15 Pro it sends her old phone a code as part of a 2 step authentication process. Can’t access this code because old phone no longer works. We have now begun the “recovery process” through Apple that could take up to 2 weeks. Also…Apple asked if she has ever been logged into her account on a different device but unfortunately never has. I guess this would be a work around to receive the “code” that she can’t receive on her “dead” phone. I realize the priority of protecting data etc… It just seems crazy that you can’t setup new phone to use. Because of her job it is mandatory to access her phone /account with all

her data/apps etc… Does anyone have any thoughts on this situation. Wish we knew about this “2 step authentication” process. Thought that as long as you have Apple ID then all is good.