The MINI OS9 digital in-car experience is complex but it’s also quite powerful. That is, if you understand how to get the most out of it. So we’ve created a quick a video that will make you an expert (or close to it) in just 15 minutes.


A Primer on the MINI OS9 In-Car Experience

MINI OS9 is the brand’s all new digital platform that redefines the in-car experience with advanced software that builds on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP). This system is MINI’s unique creation, leveraging Android’s underlying technology to provide a robust and flexible base without directly adopting Android’s interface. In fact it’s what’s on top of that foundation that’s so interesting.

Mirroring BMW’s OS, MINI OS9 has various services built on top and a sleek user experience that mirrors smartphone responsiveness and customizability. This new experience is integrated into all new electric and internal combustion models from the MINI Cooper J01 to Countryman U25, making it a cornerstone of MINI’s digital future.

One of OS9’s standout features is the expansive, high-resolution circular touchscreen, which serves as the digital hub of the vehicle. The interface includes intuitive icons, micro-animations, and three main zones that facilitate multitasking. The setup also integrates smartphone apps in a way familiar to most users, with easy access to frequently used functions and navigation. A redesigned CarPlay experience within OS9 brings a seamless blend of MINI’s distinctive circular interface and Apple’s CarPlay environment, allowing for quicker responses and minimal lag, even in pre-production models.

OS9 also emphasizes real-time connectivity and enhanced navigation. With cloud-based routing that leverages 5G for rapid data transfer, MINI’s navigation system delivers traffic and route updates as quickly as popular apps like Google Maps. Additionally, the platform supports augmented reality, overlaying directional arrows and other guides on a live video feed, helping drivers navigate complex intersections with precision. For EVs, MINI’s system also calculates optimized charging stops, incorporating live updates on charging station availability.

MINI OS9 also introduces personalization through “MINI Experience Modes,” which adjust the interface and display colors to match different driving modes, such as Core, Green, and Go-Kart modes. These options allow drivers to customize their digital environment to reflect their mood and driving style, reinforcing MINI’s focus on a unique user experience. OS9, with its modular Android-based architecture, ensures future-proofing for software upgrades, enabling MINI to keep pace with evolving digital trends while maintaining the brand’s identity.

Chapter List

00:00 Intro
00:25 Start-up Experience
00:48 Built-In Navigation
01:28 CarPlay
02:06 OS9 Interface
02:57 MINI’s Digital Assistant
05:43 Climate Controls
06:45 MINI Connected
08:25 MINI App Store
09:04 Vehicle Apps
09:44 Drive Settings
11:05 Experience Modes
12:04 Customizing Lights
13:14 Shortcuts
15:21 OS9 Improvments