using the "39-usbmuxd.rules" file from cosmic (usbmux-1.1.1~git20180428.b95a0a0-1) solves the problem.
Debian bug: https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=891507 ** Bug watch added: Debian Bug tracker #891507 https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=891507 ** Also affects: usbmuxd (Debian) via https://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=891507 Importance: Unknown Status: Unknown -- You received this bug notification because you are a member of Ubuntu Touch seeded packages, which is subscribed to usbmuxd in Ubuntu. https://bugs.launchpad.net/bugs/1778767 Title: iPhone doesn't chard when plugged in after disconnect Status in usbmuxd package in Ubuntu: Confirmed Status in usbmuxd package in Debian: Unknown Bug description: Plugging in the iPhone via usb will charge the iPhone after reboot, but after disconnect usbmuxd's systemctl service is inactive and does not start. Problem and workaround documented here: https://ubuntuforums.org/showthread.php?t=2376741&p=13779062#post13779062 To manage notifications about this bug go to: https://bugs.launchpad.net/ubuntu/+source/usbmuxd/+bug/1778767/+subscriptions -- Mailing list: https://launchpad.net/~touch-packages Post to : touch-packages@lists.launchpad.net Unsubscribe : https://launchpad.net/~touch-packages More help : https://help.launchpad.net/ListHelp