Apple has unveiled a new two-factor authentication process set to go into effect in the upcoming iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan software releases. The new authentication process, revealed in a support document, will replace Apple’s existing two-step verification system which it introduced in 2013. (via Macworld)

Apple first spoke about the upcoming change at its Worldwide Developers Conference in June but did not go into any detail.

Although the latest iOS 9 developer beta and the soon-to-be -released public iOS 9 beta supports two-factor authentication, Apple notes that access to two-factor authentication during the public beta will be limited to select accounts, and that most users will only get access at iOS 9’s general release in the fall.

Apple’s new two-factor authentication replaces the four-digit code used by the current two-step verification process with a six-digit code instead. It will also come built into the operating system rather than run through the Find My iPhone app for iOS as is the case with two-step verification codes.

Additionally, Apple outlined a new process for adding “trusted” devices to the two-factor authentication service.

The entire process for adding “trusted” devices to an account has been changed, according to Apple.

Apple defines a trusted device as an Apple device running iOS 9 or OS X El Capitan that a user has already signed into using two-factor authentication. Users enrolled in two-factor authentication can add and remove trusted devices in the Devices section of their Apple ID account at Settings > iCloud > Account on an iOS device, or System Preferences > iCloud > Account details on a Mac.

In addition to having the six-digit code displayed on any trusted Apple Device – including Macs running OS X 10.11 – users can also opt to receive the code via SMS or voice call. Apple requires a minimum one trusted device and one verified telephone number for two-factor authentication.

User eligible for participation during the public betas of iOS 9 and OS X El Capitan will be prompted to activate two-factor authentication when signing into their upgraded devices for the first time. Users already using two-step verification are encouraged by Apple to wait for the service’s general release before attempting to enroll.

Screenshot: SiliconANGLE via Apple.com