What has happened to “ notifications”?? They only appear randomly appear.

Hello, johnfalconer1948.

That's not expected behavior, so let's check a few things here:

1. First, make sure the app supports notifications, then go to Settings > Notifications and make sure that 'Allow Notifications' is on.
2. If it is on but you are not getting notified, check that Banners is turned on under Settings > Notifications.
3. Check that the mute switch is not toggled on the side of the iPhone.
4. Double-check that you are signed in with your Apple ID at the top of the Settings screen.
5. If you navigate to Settings > General > Date & Time, is that set to ‘Set Automatically’? If not, please correct that.
6. If you use an Apple Watch, please note that the notifications will go to your iPhone or your watch, but not both: Notifications on your Apple Watch - Apple Support.
7. See if you have any active Focus states in use on the iPhone. Learn more here: Use Do Not Disturb with Focus on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support.
8. If this is only affecting specific Messages threads, please check that your thread is not muted: Leave a group text message thread on your iPhone or iPad - Apple Support.
9. Under Settings > Sounds & Haptics, check that you have an Apple-created tone selected for the alert sound.
10. If you use a VPN, please disable that temporarily.

Let us know if we can help with anything else at all or if this doesn't settle your issue. Thanks and have a fabulous day!