To be clear, there is no actual fingerprint stored by or on Apple devices; or most modern fingerprint based biometric systems.
Rather, an algorithm creates a mathematical representation of the fingerprint (points on a print) expressed a long string of numbers/letters (a hash of sorts.).
Tap the Settings icon on your iOS device.
Scroll down and tap Face ID & Passcode.
Tap Set Up Face ID and make sure that you're holding your device in portrait orientation, position your face in front of your device, and tap Get Started.
Follow the instructions on your screen and go through the wizard..
Your fingerprint data is encrypted, stored on disk and protected with a key only available to the Secure Enclave.
Your fingerprint data is only used by the Secure Enclave to verify that your fingerprint matches the enrolled fingerprint data..
Biometric data storage involves three components: a sensor to collect input data, a computer to process and save it, and software to act as a go-between.
The sensor records your biometric information, which is then converted into a digital format, encrypted, and sent to long-term storage..
With the exception of the device unlock feature rather than the app being identified, and therefore the inclusion of fingerprint biometrics, the plaintiffs’ arguments are essentially the same as in the above case, with regards to the definition of “possession,” of the biometric data.
Apple’s biometric security architecture relies on a strict separation of responsibilities between the biometric sensor and the Secure Enclave, and a secure connection between the two.
The sensor captures the biometric image and securely transmits it to the Secure Enclave.
