iOS 18 iPhone 16 Pro: Music playing in pocket, "butt dials"

I have been experiencing problems with the new iPhone 16 Pro and iOS 18, where the phone just starts playing music, after being locked and placed in my pocket. Also, a couple of "butt dials".

This is very concerning and I would like to understand what the problem is and how it can be mitigated.

I have not changed my usage pattern and have not experienced this with the prior iPhone models, which leads me to believe there are a couple of issues.

I always lock (or "close") my phone screen prior to going into my pocket. Again, no usage pattern change.

Is anyone else experiencing this?