Having this same issue on XBOX, in both the most recent beta build 1.17.20.23 with experimental features and also using the experimental features on the base (none beta) game 1.17.10.
I've only found surface Iron Ore at high altitudes y120+ and only infrequently. Branch mining below y64 didn't turn up any, exploring in creative I did find some at between y0 and y10, but very poor distribution. I have found plenty of Copper ore and more emerald ore on the surface than Iron!
Barry Lees
Having this same issue on XBOX, in both the most recent beta build 1.17.20.23 with experimental features and also using the experimental features on the base (none beta) game 1.17.10.
I've only found surface Iron Ore at high altitudes y120+ and only infrequently. Branch mining below y64 didn't turn up any, exploring in creative I did find some at between y0 and y10, but very poor distribution. I have found plenty of Copper ore and more emerald ore on the surface than Iron!