Xcode / IOS Code visibility

Question

How easy can it be for people to see the code / inner working mechanics of a published iOS app? Eg if there was a certain algorithm or function/class, how easily could people be able to read that?

If it's possible, is there any way to camouflage or encrypt it so the code can't be read? Cheers

Answer 1

A certain algorithm or function/class is not going to be visible to anyone just from having access to a published app. The apps executable has been compiled and optimised so the original source does not even exist inside it. The executables are also encrypted and while can be decrypted if you jail brake a device even then you won't get much info.

While a lot of information about how an app works can be deduced by examining how it works individual algorithms is not something to worry about.

Plus what makes you think anyone is even going to bother trying for your app.

EDIT

As there was some confusion here is a link which talks about the binaries being encrypted when producing universal and thinned ipa files:

https://developer.apple.com/library/content/qa/qa1795/_index.html#//apple_ref/doc/uid/DTS40014195-CH1-APP_STORE_CONSIDERATIONS