Another problem encountered in iOS 26

Apple's recently released iOS 26 has an iMessage bug. This error occurs when iOS 26 is installed and eSIM activation isn't performed during the initial iPhone setup. If this eSIM activation is skipped, iMessage won't automatically launch.

Apple says that if this eSIM step is skipped during the initial iPhone setup process and problems occur, users will need to activate it themselves from the Settings app later.

Users need to enable eSIM. Once enabled, go to Settings, then Apps, then Messages. Turning iMessage off and on seems to resolve the issue.