Not clear from the article whether those already having the apps on their phones and iPads can still use them in China. Also, if the apps are still available in US App Store, could one get it here and take it to China?
I would think the Chinese internet would long since have the ability to sniff out encrypted and tunneled packets. Whether the user has the app or not, their data still has to travel over a network rife with snooping.
I would also think that TOR or equivalent networks might be the only thing possible. But of course, those are similarly illegal in China, so whether you get the app elsewhere or inside, it's still going to get you in trouble.
The Chicoms aren't noted for their tolerance of illegal activities.