What method is used to verify an account holder’s identity at Apple?

The method used to verify an account holder’s identity at Apple primarily involves sending a SMS code to the user's registered phone number. This two-factor authentication process enhances security by ensuring that even if someone has access to a user's password, they would need physical access to the device that receives the SMS code to complete the sign-in process.

This method is effective because it relies on something that the user has (the phone) and is also quick and efficient in a digital environment. It enables prompt verification while protecting the user's account from unauthorized access.

While other options, like phone calls or email confirmations, are also used in different contexts and for various forms of communication, they do not provide the same immediate, two-step verification process that SMS codes facilitate, making SMS the preferred method in this scenario for enhancing security and user experience.