If you’re an iOS developer looking to create apps that are not easily discoverable by users, there are a few techniques you can use to hide them. However, these tactics also make it harder for other developers and security researchers to find your app, which can lead to serious consequences if they uncover vulnerabilities.
1. Using Bundle Identifiers
Bundle identifiers are unique strings assigned to each app by Apple. They are used to identify the app in various contexts, such as when it is being installed or when users want to share it on social media. By default, bundle identifiers are visible and can be easily accessed by anyone who has access to your code. However, you can also make your bundle identifier less visible by obfuscating it.
There are several ways to obfuscate a bundle identifier:
- Replacing certain letters with their ASCII code value
- Using a base64-encoded version of the identifier
- Converting the identifier into a different encoding, such as Unicode
Obfuscating your bundle identifier can help make it harder for other developers to identify and analyze your app. However, this technique is not foolproof, as there are still ways to reverse engineer the original string. Additionally, if your obfuscated bundle identifier is used in a way that violates Apple’s policies or security guidelines, you could face serious consequences.
2. Hiding App Icons and Metadata
App icons and metadata provide additional information about an app, including its name, version number, and copyright information. By default, this information is visible in the App Store and other app stores, making it easy for users to find and download your app. However, you can also hide some or all of this information by modifying the metadata in your app’s Info.plist file.
To hide app icons and metadata, you can do the following:
- Set the “CFBundleIconFiles” key to an empty string, which will prevent the icon from being displayed in the App Store or other app stores.
- Set the “CFBundleShortVersionString” and “CFBundleLongVersionString” keys to empty strings, which will prevent the version number from being displayed.
- Remove all copyright information from the metadata.
While this technique can help make it harder for users to find your app, it also makes it less discoverable by other developers and security researchers who may be looking for vulnerabilities or other signs of malicious activity.
3. Using Encryption
Encrypting your app’s code can help prevent unauthorized access to your source code. By encrypting the code, you can make it difficult for anyone without the encryption key to view or modify the code. This technique is particularly useful if you’re working on sensitive projects that require extra security measures.
There are several ways to encrypt your app’s code:
- Using a third-party encryption tool, such as ProGuard or Obfuscator SDK
- Using Apple’s own encryption tools, such as Xcode’s “Product” menu or the “Code Signing” feature in iOS 12 and later
While encryption can provide an additional layer of security for your app, it is not foolproof. If someone with access to your encryption key is able to decrypt the code, they will still be able to view and modify it. Additionally, if your encrypted code is found to violate Apple’s policies or security guidelines, you could face serious consequences.