[_-david-_]

While it may be end to end encryption I am under the impression that Apple has the keys so they could decrypt the messages if they wanted. I don't have an iPhone but I think when you get a new one your old messages are migrated over. Not sure if that is true but if it is that would almost certainly mean Apple has the ability to decrypt your messages themself.

[interpol_p]

If you use Messages with iCloud then I think you are correct. If you don't have iCloud enabled for Messages then only your device has access. I never enabled iCloud for Messages for this reason

[Ashanmaril]

But if anyone you're talking to has it enabled, your messages are still gonna be on Apple's servers, right?

[interpol_p]

Yes, good point