MacVoices #25267: JOhn Rokos On The Origins of the OpenCase iPhone Case202

Oct 23, 2025

Ask episode

Chapters

Transcript

Episode notes

Founder JOhn Rokos shares how MagSafe inspired OpenCase—an iPhone case with a recessed opening that locks MagSafe accessories in place to prevent sliding, improve charging/heat, and cut weight. He covers patenting, vetting manufacturers in China, yearly fit changes, testing with dummy phones, and building an open accessory ecosystem.

This edition of MacVoices is brought to you by our Patreon supporters. Get access to the MacVoices Slack and MacVoices After Dark by joining in at Patreon.com/macvoices.

Show Notes:

Chapters:

[0:00] Intro and why this case is different [1:22] MagSafe sparks the recessed-opening idea [2:12] Preventing slide-off; charging and heat benefits [5:46] Prototyping and patent path [7:22] Finding a manufacturer; risks and quality control [12:35] Pre-announcement samples and real-device fit checks [13:48] iPhone 17 fit, rigidity, and button/camera changes [19:33] Growing an open accessory ecosystem (wallets, batteries, stands) [25:13] Color requests vs. MOQs; why black dominates [35:43] Pricing and accessory lineup [38:34] What's included; opening size 96×65 mm (9 mm corners) [40:15] Where to buy and future plans [41:37] Listener discount code details

Links:

MacVoices Viewers and Listeners can take 10% off their first order at TheOpenCase.com. Restrictions apply, offer good through November 2025.

Guests:

JoHn Rokos is the brains behind The Open Case, a "MagSafe Perfected" iPhone case. MacVoices Viewers and Listeners can take 10% off their first order at TheOpenCase.com.

Support:

Become a MacVoices Patron on Patreon http://patreon.com/macvoices

Enjoy this episode? Make a one-time donation with PayPal

Connect:

Web: http://macvoices.com

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/chuckjoiner http://www.twitter.com/macvoices

Mastodon: https://mastodon.cloud/@chuckjoiner

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/chuck.joiner

MacVoices Page on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/macvoices/

MacVoices Group on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/groups/macvoice

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chuckjoiner/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chuckjoiner/

Subscribe:

Audio in iTunes Video in iTunes

Subscribe manually via iTunes or any podcatcher:

Audio: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesrss Video: http://www.macvoices.com/rss/macvoicesvideorss