Why can’t I answer text messages without opening my phone since update iIOS15

I contacted Apple support and this is a big issue for iPhones SE or older.

My phone is less than a year old. I'm still frustrated and hoping Apple works on this as when I used my husbands phone that hasn’t updated IOS 15..1, it’s wonderful to see how text messages used to work so easily.

I have home button- APPLE LISTEN TO THIS AND HELP US PLEASE!!

I feel like leaving my phone open all the time but that’s not safe.

Again help!!!

This is one example of what happens when I get a text. I have to open phone with passcode or I get a list of 4 options usually in orange asking if I want to add to contacts, turn off notifications and 2 others. Main thing is I just want to read and answer my texts the way it used to work. Straight from the locked screen.

if not, can I delete Focus and perhaps later next year or so can I add it back??

Right now it’s not fine tuned enough yet. Thank you