What is Face ID?

What is Face ID? - illustrated definition card

Face ID is Apple's facial-recognition system that unlocks your iPhone, approves App Store purchases and autofills passwords by scanning your face in 3D with the front camera array.

The face map is encrypted and stored only on the device — it never goes to Apple's servers. Configure it under Settings → Face ID & Passcode, including which features can use it and an alternate appearance.