<!--
{
  "availability" : [
    "iOS: 3.0.0 -",
    "iPadOS: 3.0.0 -",
    "macCatalyst: 13.1.0 -",
    "macOS: 10.6.0 -",
    "tvOS: 9.0.0 -",
    "visionOS: 1.0.0 -",
    "watchOS: 1.0.0 -"
  ],
  "documentType" : "symbol",
  "framework" : "ObjectiveC",
  "identifier" : "/documentation/ObjectiveC/objc_destructInstance",
  "metadataVersion" : "0.1.0",
  "role" : "Function",
  "symbol" : {
    "kind" : "Function",
    "modules" : [
      "Objective-C Runtime"
    ],
    "preciseIdentifier" : "c:@F@objc_destructInstance"
  },
  "title" : "objc_destructInstance"
}
-->

# objc_destructInstance

Destroys an instance of a class without freeing memory and removes any of its associated references.

```
extern void *objc_destructInstance(id obj);
```

## Discussion

This method does nothing if `obj` is `nil`.

> Important:
> The garbage collector does not call this function. As a result, if you edit this function, you should also edit finalize. That said, Core Foundation and other clients do call this function under garbage collection.

---

Copyright &copy; 2026 Apple Inc. All rights reserved. | [Terms of Use](https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/terms/site.html) | [Privacy Policy](https://www.apple.com/privacy/privacy-policy)