Yeah. This issue is weird. If I’m on my trusted device then it should know that regardless of if I’m logging in in a different browser on that device for the first time or whatever.
I don’t get it. I hope they figure this one out.
They do this because IMO Apple is all about the perception of security not necessarily the reality. Now don't get me wrong, Apple's reality is better than the other's perception or reality, the others just don't care. But in the end, given real security (at a high cost) or the perception of security at a low cost, Apple will choose perception every time, thanks to Mr. Cook.
Banging people around for two favor authentication makes users feel better at night. At least if the users are idiots. Think about it, if someone steals or access my device while it's not locked (like walking away from a work iMac), what good is two factor authentication? Search the web, there are a number of ways to get around two factor authentication. Secure two factor authentication is only really secure when the authentication device is completely separate and requires a password every time to view the authentication code.
It's the same reasoning that occurred during in the initial flying days after 911. Airline security broke the nail file off of the nail clippers. They had to do something to convince stupid people (the masses) that they were doing something, and that no security action was too small, they did them all. The public idiots assumed that if they focused on these small items, then they must be really diligent about the big ones. We now know it was a farce, even today smuggled items succeed more than they are caught. They can't keep weapons and explosives off of planes. But everyone feels the false sense of security is worth the inconvenience it causes. BTW, I don't. Idiots don't mind giving up anything or everything as long as they feel better.
For example, why is two factor authentication at the account level and not the device level? When I am traveling I would use two factor authentication on my laptop, but when I am at home on my Mac, why? We have security system and when we leave the Mac's are shutdown. I have no need for 2 factor on my Mac.
Of course if someone has gotten into my iPhone, all they have to do is tap yes to the 2 factor prompt. What good is that. See it is security theater, where the real security has been eviscerated for ease of use, nothing more.
Yes, there are a couple of situations where 2 factor the way Apple does it might be beneficial, but in a lot of cases it is not, unless, of course, one does not know anything about security. In which case you are Apple's demographic. That is dumb enough to pay more for the perception of reality and don't care about what is really going on.