Apple Watch series 8 message notifications always shows previews (watchOS 9.0)

Hello JMKSBV,

You should be able to make those adjustments using the steps below:

When you raise your wrist to see a notification, you see a quick summary, then full details a few seconds later. To stop the full details from appearing in the notification:

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then tap the My Watch tab. 

2. Tap Notifications, then turn on Tap to Show Full Notification. 

3. When you get a notification, tap it to see the full details. 

Whether your Apple Watch is locked or unlocked, you see notification summaries, or short looks, by default. A short look is a single screen that shows the notifying app’s name and icon along with the notification title. You can choose to turn off short looks when Apple Watch is locked:

1. Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, then tap the My Watch tab. 

2. Tap Notifications, then turn off Show Summary When Locked.

You can also find those steps in this resource: Notifications on your Apple Watch - Apple Support

Should you continue to experience difficulties with your notifications, does that persist after updating to the latest watchOS 9.0.1 using the steps below?

Get ready to update

First, make sure that your Apple Watch is compatible with the latest software: watchOS 8 is compatible with Apple Watch Series 3 and later and Apple Watch SE. Upgrading to watchOS 8 requires iPhone 6s or later running iOS 15 or later. Find your Apple Watch model.

Next, check these things:

1. Update your iPhone to the latest version of iOS.

2. Make sure that your Apple Watch is at least 50 percent charged.

3. Connect your iPhone to Wi-Fi.

4. Keep your iPhone next to your Apple Watch, so that they're in range. 

It could take from several minutes to an hour for the update to complete. You might want to update overnight or wait until you have time. 

Update your Apple Watch using your iPhone

When a new update is available, your Apple Watch notifies you. Tap Update Tonight in the notification, then go to your iPhone to confirm that you want to update overnight. At the end of the day, leave your Apple Watch and iPhone charging overnight so the update can complete. 

To update manually, use these steps: 

1. On your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app, then tap the My Watch tab. 

2. Tap General > Software Update.

3. Download the update. If asked for your iPhone passcode or Apple Watch passcode, enter it. 

4. Wait for the progress wheel to appear on your Apple Watch. It could take from several minutes to an hour for the update to complete. 

This resource also covers that process: Update your Apple Watch - Apple Support Updating should help to further isolate a potential software conflict.

Let us know your results, and we'll keep moving forward from there.