# objc_getMetaClass(_:) Returns the metaclass definition of a specified class. ``` func objc_getMetaClass(_ name: UnsafePointer) -> Any! ``` ## Parameters `name` The name of the class to look up. ## Return Value The `Class` object for the metaclass of the named class, or `nil` if the class is not registered with the Objective-C runtime. ## Discussion If the definition for the named class is not registered, this function calls the class handler callback and then checks a second time to see if the class is registered. However, every class definition must have a valid metaclass definition, and so the metaclass definition is always returned, whether it’s valid or not. --- Copyright © 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)