Apple Expanding Two-Step Verification to iCloud.com

Apple appears to be testing its two-factor authentication system on some iCloud.com accounts, asking for a verification code before allowing users with two-factor verification enabled to access various iCloud.com apps.

First noticed by AppleInsider, the two-factor verification system for iCloud.com requires users to enter a verification code sent via SMS or to a trusted iOS device before the iCloud.com versions of Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Reminders, Pages, Numbers, and Keynote can be used.

icloudtwofactorauthentication
Previously, accessing these apps only required an Apple ID password, but now "Find My iPhone" is the only app that remains accessible without a two-factor verification code. Computers used to access iCloud.com have a "Remember This Browser" option, requiring a verification code to be entered only once.

Originally implemented back in March of 2013, two-factor verification is an opt-in system designed to increase Apple ID account security by requiring identity verification before allowing users to make account changes or purchase content on new devices. It replaces standard security questions with a security code delivered to a trusted device.

At this time, it is unknown if Apple is simply testing the feature with some users or working on a wider rollout for all iCloud.com users with two-factor verification enabled.

Update 3:30 PM PT: Apple appears to have disabled two-factor verification for some iCloud.com accounts that previously had access to the feature, suggesting it may have seen an accidental early launch.

Popular Stories

iphone 16 apple intelligence

Apple Aiming to Release 'Breakthrough' New iPhone Accessory

Wednesday February 18, 2026 12:43 pm PST by
Apple is looking for a "breakthrough" with its push into wearable AI devices, including an "AirTag-sized pendant," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In a report this week, he said the pendant is reminiscent of the failed Humane AI Pin, but it would be an iPhone accessory rather than a standalone product. The pendant would feature an "always-on" camera and a microphone for Siri voice...
Apple Watch 15 Tips Every Owner Needs to Know Feature

Apple Watch: 15 Tips Every Owner Needs to Know

Thursday February 19, 2026 7:38 am PST by
Apple Watch is now eleven generations in, and packed with useful features that are easy to miss at first glance. To help you get more out of your new device, we've rounded up 15 practical tips you might not have discovered yet, including a few that long-time users often overlook. Bounce Between Two Apps On your Apple Watch, double-press the Digital Crown to see a deck of all currently...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

10 Reasons to Wait for Apple's iPhone 18 Pro

Wednesday February 18, 2026 5:12 am PST by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth...
Multicolored Low Cost A18 Pro MacBook Feature

Low-Cost MacBook Expected on March 4 in These Colors

Wednesday February 18, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple will announce its rumored low-cost MacBook at its event on March 4, with the device coming in a selection of bold color options, according to a known leaker. Earlier this week, Apple announced a "special Apple Experience" for the media in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Posting on Weibo, the leaker known as "Instant Digital" said that the...
iphone 17 pro green

iPhone 17 Pro Max Curiously Becomes Most Traded-In Smartphone

Wednesday February 18, 2026 9:13 am PST by
New trade-in data indicates that Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max has rapidly become the single most traded-in smartphone. According to a new report from SellCell, Apple's latest flagship iPhone has quickly risen to the top of the independent trade-in market, accounting for 11.5% of all devices appearing in the top-20 trade-in rankings just months after release. The analysis is based on SellCell...

Top Rated Comments

CrazyForApple Avatar
152 months ago
the more secure, the better
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
152 months ago
You do understand that clicking "remember this computer" is exactly the same as not using it at all, right?

And you're criticizing others for not using it when that's your plan too?
This is my home computer, how is that the same not using it at all? It's just remembering that one computer, not all computers. There is also an option to log off all computers through iCloud.com. So I can go on another computer and log off if needed.
With iCloud.com, it's also the browsers too that it's saving. So you log on safari with it, it won't save it from Chrome.

If my house gets broken into, I doubt they are breaking in to go on my computer and read my email :rolleyes:
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
152 months ago
Moronic

Stupid stupid stupid. If I have my IOS device with me why would I log into icloud? So were creating a system that only works when you don't need it?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rdlink Avatar
152 months ago
"Computers used to access iCloud.com have a "Remember This Browser" option, requiring a verification code to be entered only once."

Surely this means you can login at home, tick the box and you won't be asked for a code again so you can continue using iCloud at school?

I think the OP's point is that their school uses a series of computers on carts, and they won't necessarily have access to the same computer every time. Also, many schools like this clear browser history automatically on logout.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
appleguy123 Avatar
152 months ago
I hope it's optional. I often use icloud to email things to myself to print at my college. Not interested in have to do this every time I need to print something.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
152 months ago
All well and good but...

How on earth am i going to use this is school. Our school uses a cart of windows laptops and we have separate computer rooms. And obviously since I'm in school i can't use my phone... What am i going to do? Will there be an option to turn this off? I physically can't use word or powerpoint in school any more, it's too much of a headache, i really need access to iCloud. Oh god.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)