[BUG] Claude Code desktop app crashes with exit code 1 on macOS 26.2 — hardcoded to download broken version 2.1.111

Preflight Checklist

• [x] I have searched existing issues and this hasn't been reported yet
• [x] This is a single bug report (please file separate reports for different bugs)
• [x] I am using the latest version of Claude Code

What's Wrong?

The Claude Code desktop app crashes instantly with "Claude Code process exited with code 1" on both Local and Cloud modes. The app always downloads version 2.1.111 which crashes immediately on launch.

What Should Happen?

Claude Code should start a session successfully and accept prompts.

Error Messages/Logs

Claude Code process exited with code 1
Session error: hadFirstResponse=false, reason=no_response

Steps to Reproduce

Install Claude desktop app on macOS 26.2
Open the app and go to the Code tab
Select any folder and start a new session
App instantly crashes with exit code 1
Switching to Cloud mode produces the same crash
Clean reinstall does not fix it

Claude Model

Sonnet (default)

Is this a regression?

No, this never worked

Last Working Version

_No response_

Claude Code Version

2.1.118 (CLI via claude --version) — desktop app downloads 2.1.111

Platform

Other

Operating System

macOS

Terminal/Shell

Terminal.app (macOS)

Additional Information

CLI version 2.1.118 works perfectly in Terminal (claude command). The desktop app ignores the updated CLI and always downloads/runs 2.1.111 which crashes. Anthropic support ticket ID: 215474032169843.