Does iOS 18.5 add a new built-in VPN feature on iPhone SE (3rd generation)?

Suddenly, out of nowhere, I have the option of activating the vpn status (in Settings) on my iphone. I have never installed a vpn app on my phone. When do I activate it, a small boxed 'vpn' shows up in top bar on the screen (in between the wifi strength 'arcs' and the current time).

Is this a new service build into iOS 18.5?

Or has a bad actor somehow installed this on my phone?

How can I determine whether this is legit or whether I have been hacked?

Anyone else seeing this?

Thanks in advance

[Re-Titled by Moderator]

Original Title: active vpn status on iphone SE (3rd gen) on iOS 18.5?