For me, the phone must be unlocked to even be able to see the list of wallpapers, and nothing of my clothing triggers capacitive touches on the screen.

The only way this appears to be possible is holding it by the screen while removing it from the pocket. I just don't do that.

Yeah this is really annoying. I goes I had played around with it when it first came out and created some alternatives with focus modes. I recently stopped using my wallet-like case, so now my screen is exposed in my pocket, and I couldn’t figure out why it kept getting into a meeting focus mode and silencing all my incoming comms!

I haven't had this problem (since I don't keep my phone in a back pocket), but still agreed.

Having to long press anywhere on the screen and then swipe side-to-side between lock screens is weird. Just let me swipe sideways on the handle thing at the bottom like for swiping between apps.

Aside from that, my iOS 17 beta impressions are fine, I've been running it since dev betas on my iPad and since public betas on my phone. Only issue was the camera locking up and crashing once.

It even gets frozen in the transition to that stupid UI. I'll pick up my phone and it's all blurry and doesn't respond to touch. I am really hoping that's fixed.

Please reconsider your use of the r-word. It is offensive, and there are better ways to convey what you mean.