MINI’s latest Over-the-Air Update: New Features & What You Need to Know

[DimON]

For years, MINI’s charm has come from its physicality—its go-kart handling, styling, and that just-right level of quirk. But with the latest generation of MINIs embracing over-the-air (OTA) updates, the brand is moving into a new era: one where the experience behind the wheel can be refined and upgraded while you sleep.

The latest update—Version 11/24—addresses some issues (such as slow-loading profiles and overall system performance) while adding a host of new features, from a faster, smarter digital assistant to a more intuitive charging interface. So, let’s break it down: here’s what’s new and why it actually matters.

First it’s important to note that elements of this software were first included in 11/24 production onward. So some of these features have been on the road in recently sold MINIs

Quick Links – The One-Tap Shortcut You’ll Actually Use

MINI has taken a step toward better usability with QuickSelect widgets—an overdue fix for anyone who’s ever found themselves lost in the labyrinth of menus. Now, with a single tap, you can access your favorite functions straight from the main menu. Even better, a long press lets you customize it to your liking. It’s a small but meaningful upgrade that cuts down on distractions and makes the interface feel more intuitive.

Adding MINI Digital Key Plus to Your iOS Wallet

MINI Digital Key Plus Install Process

Activating MINI Digital Key Plus

MINI Digital Key – 18 Keys, Endless Control

Gone are the days of handing off a fob and hoping for the best. The new MINI Digital Key allows up to 18 digital keys per car, complete with permission settings that range from simple entry access to full administrator control. That means you can let a friend borrow the car without worrying they’ll access every performance mode—or, for parents, you can ensure the family JCW isn’t about to become a teenager’s first street racer. The catch? It’s iOS-only for now.

Charging Screen – Real Numbers, Real Clarity

If you’ve ever tried to decipher what “42% battery” actually means in real-world range, you’ll appreciate this one. Instead of just showing a percentage, the new charging screen finally displays estimated mileage. Even better, it’s visible from outside the car—so a quick glance is all you need to decide whether to keep charging or hit the road. It’s a simple but brilliant tweak that should have been there from the start.

Curve-Ahead – Your Rally Co-Driver

MINI Connected Plus now includes Curve-Ahead View, which highlights upcoming bends and even suggests an ideal speed using color-coded indicators. This is less about taking control from the driver (MINI wouldn’t do that) and more about enhancing confidence on unfamiliar roads. If you’ve ever driven a mountain pass at night or navigated a winding country road, you’ll know how useful this could be.

A Smarter MINI – Faster, More Conversational Voice Commands

The MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant now responds quicker and understands commands with greater accuracy. The activation phrase—“Hey, MINI”—remains the same, but the experience is smoother, making it feel less like an afterthought and more like a genuinely useful feature. If this means fewer misunderstandings when changing destinations or controlling media, it’s a win.

Go-Kart Mode – Now with Real-Time Driving Data

Go-Kart Mode isn’t just a name—it’s a MINI philosophy. And now, the latest update brings that to life with a dynamic visualization of torque, power, and acceleration forces, all displayed in real time. Boost pressure, engine temperature, and other key performance metrics are also included. While not quite a full-on telemetry system, it’s a playful way to add even more engagement to the driving experience.

MINI OS9 Gets Faster

Perhaps the biggest new feature is MINI OS9 itself—not just a feature, but a hugely welcome improvement. Here’s the full list of how MINI has upgraded OS9.

• The MINI Operating System 9 now runs more smoothly
• Voice input processing is quicker and has greater accuracy
• User profiles load faster (thank you!)
• Media playback via Bluetooth or streaming is improved
• The connection to Apple CarPlay® is also more stable.

Improved Diagnostics Mode & Smoother Software

The latest version includes improved diagnostic capabilities for the braking system, allowing service centers to better identify potential issues. It may sound trivial, but the fact that MINI can enhance features like diagnostic mode even after the car is sold is a huge win for owners in the long run.

The Fine Print – What You Need to Know Before Updating

As with any OTA update, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• All MINI Connected apps and the Integrated Owner’s Manual will be automatically updated.
• If your MINI displays control messages (like a parking brake or powertrain malfunction warning) post-update, try restarting the vehicle.
• BEV owners take note: If you update while charging, the process may be interrupted and might not resume automatically.
• After installation, privacy settings may reset to factory defaults—so double-check those if you’ve customized them.
• Any aftermarket modifications, coding, or tuning outside of MINI’s ecosystem may not play nicely with the update. Proceed with caution if you’ve gone down that route.

The MotoringFile Take

Over the air (OTA) updates are a huge win for owners and this one is a great example of why. There are both important upgrades to the overall experience as well as new features that might make the experience of owning a new MINIs more intuitive, and just a bit more fun.

If this is what OTA updates will look like for MINI going forward, count us in.

The post MINI’s latest Over-the-Air Update: New Features & What You Need to Know appeared first on MotoringFile.

View the full article