Missing favorites contacts on iPhone Search

Favorite contacts on your device are not separate or different from the main Contacts list. They are simply a subset or "pointer" within the list. When you mark a contact as a favorite, your device creates a shortcut to that contact in the "Favorites" section for quicker access. However, the original contact details remain stored in the main Contacts list, and any changes made to the contact in either location (Favorites or Contacts) will reflect universally because they reference the same entry.