Touch ID is Apple's biometric fingerprint authentication technology. With it, the Home button can unlock your iPhone or iPad, authorize your purchases on the iTunes Store or App Store, and use Apple Pay. A capacitive ring activates the scanner on contact which then takes a high-resolution picture of your fingerprint. That fingerprint is then converted into a mathematical formula, encrypted, and carried over a hardware channel to a secure enclave on Apple's A-series chipset. If the fingerprint is recognized, a "yes" token is released. If it's not, a "no" token is released.
In the perpetual battle between security and convenience, where many people would rather go without a passcode or strong password than fuss with anything complicated on mobile, Apple's Touch ID fingerprint identity sensor aims to do for authentication what iCloud did for backup and restore - make it easy enough that people will actually use it.
Latest about Touch ID
Will Touch ID return for iPhone 15?
With a year's worth of rumors floating around, we finally know whether or not the iPhone will get Touch ID. Here's everything you should know.
Apple's Touch ID could be about to get even better - here's how
A new patent could mean the return of Touch ID on Apple iPhones.
How to use Touch ID on MacBook Air or MacBook Pro
Does your MacBook have Touch ID? Here's everything you need to know about how to set it up and use it to secure your Mac.
How to use Touch ID on your iPhone or iPad
While Face ID more used on Apple devices, certain iPad and iPhone models do still use Touch ID. Learn to master just the right touch.
iPhone with under-display Touch ID tipped for launch within 3 years
Apple is rumored to be working on bringing Touch ID back to the iPhone and a new report claims that it might happen within the next three years.
Touch ID not working for you? Here's how to fix it!
Touch ID can be temperamental at times, no matter what device you're using. But we have the fix.
Touch ID not coming back for iPhone 15 or other flagship iPhones anytime soon, says Gurman
Apple tested Touch ID for future iPhone models but has decided to not bring it to the iPhone 15, or future models in the main series for the foreseeable future, says Mark Gurman.
How to quickly disable Face ID and Touch ID on iPhone and iPad
Temporarily disabling Face ID or Touch ID to require a password to unlock your iPhone or iPad is simple. Here's how you do it.
Apple granted another patent for under-display Touch ID on iPhone
Apple has been granted another patent pertaining to a fingerprint scanner housed under the display of an iPhone.
Mark Gurman: Apple tested in-screen Touch ID but it will not be featured on the iPhone 13
According to the latest Power On newsletter by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, the next iPhone lineup will not feature in-screen Touch ID.
I've changed my mind about unlocking your iPhone with your Apple Watch — it sucks
While I was initially excited about the feature, I quickly started thinking about how much less secure it is. Now, I don't use the feature at all.
If iOS 14.5 fixes the mask + Face ID problem, what's that mean for iPhone 13 and Touch ID?
Apple's iOS 14.5 will let us unlock our iPhones even when wearing a mask, but what does that mean for Touch ID's potential return?
Talk of the notch's demise next year could be good news for Touch ID fans
New rumors of Apple ditching the notch altogether could be good news for Touch ID fans and bad news for Face ID lovers.
How to use Touch ID on older Macs
Even if your Mac doesn't support Touch ID or Auto Unlock, you can still secure it using biometrics!
Troubleshooting iTunes and App Store purchases on Macs with Touch ID
Although the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro officially support Touch ID authorization of both App Store and iTunes purchases, setting it up can be a bit of a process. Here's how to go about it.
How to lock Notes on iPhone and iPad
Protecting your notes on the Notes app is possible and pretty easy to do. You can lock your notes with a password, Face ID, or Touch ID. Here's how!
How to use Apple Pay on the web on your Mac
When shopping on your Mac, you can make secure payments online with Apple Pay - the most secure payment service!
