My iPhone 12 Pro Max on iOS 17.2.1 will switch itself off if not used

Two more basic troubleshooting steps to perform (test after each attempt):

A) If you can, check your battery status in Settings>Battery>Battery Health & Charging>Maximum capacity. If it is close to 83-80%, have it replaced as soon as possible, since it might have unpredictable behavior.

B) If the issue persists, something could have gone wrong during the latest update procedure.

I would try to install a fresh copy of iOS/iPadOS (the latest available/supported by your device model). To do this, create a full backup of your iPhone/iPad (1), then restore it to factory settings (you need a computer to perform this step) and, in the end, set it up as new (2).

When done, restore data from your previously made backup (3).

Follow the instructions provided in these support articles:

(1) How to back up your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch – Apple Support

(2) Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod to factory settings – Apple Support

(3) Restore your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch from a backup

If the issue still persists, It could be a hardware (digitizer? other internal component?) failure, and I suggest that you contact Apple Support directly, using this link:--> Contact Apple for support and service , or make an appointment (*) and have your device inspected at an Apple Store or AASP (Apple Authorized Service Provider) among this list:--> https://locate.apple.com/choose-country-region . After checking it out, they'll give you all the available options.

Regards

Giulio

(*) You can do it:

• Online:--> Genius Bar Reservation and Apple Support Options - Apple;
• Contacting a local Apple Store or AASP among the list provided above;
• Using the "Apple Store" app, available and downloadable from AppStore.

Does the issue persist after force restarts?