When Apple says your data doesn't leave their servers, that doesn't mean those servers have to be in their own datacenters or that Apple doesn't have other vendors that help them deliver their service. It also doesn't mean those companies have access to your unencrypted data. That data also, by necessity, likely traverses other networks in encrypted form on its way between you and Apple.
I'm not so sure. One of the potential benefits of removing ports from the iPhone is improved water resistance (personally, I'd still rather have the port). I don't foresee going swimming with my AirPods case.