What "kernel level C function" does Frenzapp use to detect running iOS processes?

Question

According to this iphonedevsdk.com forum post, Frenzapp uses two methods to detect other apps installed on an iOS device:

1. UIApplication canOpenUrl: to check if known custom URL schemas can be opened
2. A "kernel level C function", that is "authorized by apple".

What "kernel level C function" are they using? Where is it documented?

Answer 1

Thanks to Vladamir and Stephen Darlington for commenting and pointing us at what is most likely the answer:

• The kernel C function is sysctl()
• It's documented on Apple's iOS Developer site
• You need to call it with a certain set of arguments to get the list of running processes (ids and strings)
  • See Vladimir's previous answer or This post for example code