MacVoices #25267: JOhn Rokos On The Origins of the OpenCase iPhone Case episode artwork

EPISODE · Oct 23, 2025 · 42 MIN

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

from MacVoices Video · host Chuck Joiner

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

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

NOW PLAYING

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

0:00 42:57

No transcript for this episode yet

We transcribe on demand. Request one and we'll notify you when it's ready — usually under 10 minutes.

No similar episodes found.

No similar podcasts found.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is this episode of MacVoices Video?

This episode is 42 minutes long.

When was this MacVoices Video episode published?

This episode was published on October 23, 2025.

What is this episode about?

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,...

Can I download this MacVoices Video episode?

Yes, you can download this episode by clicking the download button on the episode player, or subscribe to the podcast in your preferred podcast app for automatic downloads.
URL copied to clipboard!