I disagree that this could have been a 16.x update, because we actually did get some pretty nice brand new features in iOS 17 such as interactive widgets, a redesigned Messages app, and several other substantial improvements that aren’t generally introduced mid-cycle. But I do think that iOS 17 has less new features than 16, but really that’s a good thing from the perspective of stability and quality-of-life improvements. With updates that include big, flashy new features, Apple’s resources generally have to be focused towards those new features. With this update cycle, even in the first developer beta of iPadOS 17, I’m already seeing many smaller improvements, such as a new Multitasking & Gestures menu in the Settings app among other things. I think there will be lots of small refinements and improvements to the system over the update cycle that weren’t mentioned at the keynote or in the preview page.