What Does This Error Mean?

MacBook apps crashing repeatedly are usually caused by the app not being updated for the current macOS version, or a corrupted app preferences file. Update the app from the App Store and delete its preference file from ~/Library/Preferences.

Affected Models

MacBook Air (all models)
MacBook Pro (all models)
MacBook (2015–2019)

Common Causes

App not updated for compatibility with the current macOS version after an OS upgrade
Corrupted app preferences or cache file causing a crash on startup or during use
Startup disk nearly full — macOS requires free space for virtual memory and swap
Insufficient RAM — too many apps open simultaneously causing memory pressure
Corrupted system file or permissions issue in the user Library folder

How to Fix It

Update the crashing app.

Open the App Store and go to the Updates tab. Install any available update for the crashing app. App crashes after a macOS update are almost always resolved by the developer releasing a compatibility update within days.
Delete the app's preferences file.

Open Finder, press Command + Shift + G, and type ~/Library/Preferences. Find the .plist file with the app's bundle name (e.g., com.appname.AppName.plist) and move it to the Trash. The app will regenerate a fresh preferences file on next launch.
Clear the app cache.

In Finder, press Command + Shift + G and enter ~/Library/Caches. Find and delete the folder with the app's name. Corrupted cache files are a common cause of repeated crashes on otherwise correctly installed apps.
Free up startup disk space.

Go to Apple Menu > System Settings > General > Storage. If less than 10 GB is available, macOS virtual memory is constrained and apps may crash or freeze. Delete old downloads, empty the Trash, and let macOS remove cached files automatically.
Reinstall the app.

Drag the app to the Trash to remove it, then download a fresh copy from the App Store or the developer's website. A clean reinstall ensures no corrupted app binary or internal data is causing the crash. Do not restore the app from a Time Machine backup — re-download a clean copy.

When to Call a Professional

If multiple apps crash simultaneously and the MacBook also shows kernel panics or freezes, the hardware (RAM or storage) may be failing. Run Apple Diagnostics: restart while holding D.