How does objc runtime store class metadata internally?

Updated May 17, 2026

Short answer

Class metadata is stored in structures containing isa pointer, superclass, method lists, and caches.

Deep explanation

Each Objective-C class is represented by a struct containing an isa pointer (to metaclass), superclass pointer, method list, property list, protocol list, and cache. This structure is dynamically updated at runtime, allowing method addition and swizzling.

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