why are flashlight and camera icons on locked screen?

So that you don’t have to unlock the phone if you just need the flashlight or want to take a quick picture.

Yes they do, you have to press and hold, you will feel a haptic feedback.

I have to press lightly to access both apps. I can’t just tap it.

Try Changing the background picture on the iPhone.

Now you can capture that UFO hovering in your neighborhood.