[SOLVED] Why does my iPhone green light camera indicator turn on randomly?

I've had the same question that has been found all over Apple's forums for the past 6 months - why is the green light on my iPhone appearing with no apps open and no permissions granted?

Apple recently updated their iOS 14 to include a green/orange indicator for users to understand when their camera/microphone is being accessed. To further explain my personal experience, I would randomly notice a green light pop up when I'd unlock my phone after not using it. Naturally, when googling this situation we see responses such as, "The green light means your camera and/or microphone is being used" or "Check your app permissions to see which apps have camera/microphone permissions, then update them and restart your phone to solve this issue."

YES, I checked my permissions (all denied), I restarted my phone, I even factory reset my phone. So what's really going on here?!?

Well, I'm proud to say I think I've figured it out. What tipped me off is the response stating that "the camera itself will always show the green light when in use." Now I'm sure some of you will note that you weren't using the camera at all and it occurred when you checked your phone. Here's what's happening:

There's an iPhone feature that allows you to access your camera by swiping to the right or left while the phone is locked. Try it yourself. Even when you slightly swipe right or left before unlocking your iPhone, the green light will appear because you just opened up the camera app.

In short, there is no problem. To be clear - your camera is not being accessed via hacking/spying. Your camera is being accessed because you're opening the camera... "the simplest answer is most often correct." I wanted to post this for all the people out there looking to put their mind at ease by ending your search as to why your iPhone's green light camera indicator is popping up seemingly randomly with no open apps/permissions.