Touch ID is available on the latest models of iPads and iPhones. This allows you to quickly access the device using your fingerprint.
Fingerprint sensor
Touch ID is the name for the fingerprint sensor in Apple devices. In other words, Touch ID allows your iPad or iPhone to scan your fingerprint. Apple has hidden the sensor in the newer iPhones and iPads behind the Home button. The sensor is therefore not directly visible. But if you’ve set up Touch ID, the sensor will scan your fingerprint as soon as you place your finger on the Home button.
Opportunities
With Touch ID you can quickly unlock the device. You don’t have to type the password, just briefly put your finger on the Home button. You can also use Touch ID to approve purchases from the iTunes Store and App Store. This again saves typing a password. Apps from third-party developers can also use Touch ID technology these days. This makes logging into the bank’s app faster, for example. Touch ID should therefore primarily provide convenience.
Privacy
When Touch ID was introduced, there was also a lot of concern about privacy. Because what happens to the fingerprints that are stored? Apple says Touch ID does not store fingerprint images. Using a mathematical prediction, the printout is stored in a special, extra-secure place on the device. So the printout is not stored on an Apple server or in iCloud, and the system and other apps can’t access the math prediction either. Apple thus indicates that only Touch ID can access the fingerprint. Still, it can be a scary idea to save your fingerprint. Although you don’t have to worry about abuse based on Apple’s statement.
Advantages
- Touch ID is easy to use. You quickly unlock the device.
- Fingerprints are more secure because passwords are easier to retrieve.
Cons
- Should there be a hack, you can easily change your password. Your fingerprint will of course remain the same.
- As a backup, you still need to set and remember a password.
Set up
Convinced of the benefits of Touch ID? Then you can save one or more fingerprints in the Settings. So you can set multiple fingers of yourself, but also of other users of the device. Set this up in iOS 10 or later as follows. You can read how to do this in the tip ‘Screen saver for iPad and iPhone’.