I had exactly the same problem.
My solution: I added the full URL for the audiofile source. Don't know why but it makes a difference. Here's my full code. The CSS modifications are only to hide the download button. But when I take it out I don't see the timeline. Very strange but exactly this code works for me.
html5 audio player on iPhoneaudio::-internal-media-controls-download-button {
display:none;
}
audio::-webkit-media-controls-enclosure {
overflow:hidden;
}
audio::-webkit-media-controls-panel {
width: calc(100% + 33px);
}
Your browser does not support the audio element.