Overview

• Apple posted an official support document explaining that the issue surfaces after updating to iOS 26 when an inactive SIM or eSIM shares the same number as the active line.
• Affected users may see “Not Delivered” errors, green SMS/RCS bubbles, messages sent from an email address, or the same number listed twice in Send & Receive.
• Apple’s guidance is to remove the inactive SIM profile by ejecting a physical SIM or deleting the inactive eSIM in Settings under Cellular.
• After removing the duplicate entry, users should re-enable their number in Settings > Apps > Messages > Send & Receive to activate the service.
• Reports say this restores functionality for most users, activation can take a few minutes in some cases, and Apple has not provided a timeline for a permanent software fix.