BMW and Mini drivers in the UK can now enjoy their favorite BBC podcasts, radio and music as BMW and Mini become the first car brands to integrate the BBC Sounds app directly into their vehicles’ built-in app store.
Before, listeners needed a smartphone to access BBC Sounds via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay. Now, drivers of selected models with BMW Operating System 9 or Mini Operating System 9 and a subscription to BMW Digital Premium or the Mini Connected package can stream content from the BBC Sounds app directly in the vehicle operating system.
Once installed in the car, drivers and passengers can enjoy a personalized experience by signing into the BBC Sounds app with their BBC account, synchronizing playback history across all their devices. For example, if a listener were to start a true crime podcast, such as the new series of Bad People on their smartphone, they can continue where they left off when they get into their car.
Once downloaded, the BBC Sounds app is fully integrated into the vehicle’s UI and can be easily accessed via the All Apps (BMW) or Media Selection (Mini). Additionally, data usage for streaming content is included in the connectivity provided by the BMW Digital Premium or Mini Connected subscription.
Over 50,000 BMW and Mini vehicles on the road in the UK support the new BBC Sounds in-car app, and this figure is expected to rise to around 150,000 by the end of 2025.
Andrew Furse, BMW product operations manager, said, “We’re proud to make it easier than ever for BMW and Mini customers to enjoy their favorite BBC content on the move. This latest integration complements the wide range of apps already available in our vehicles and underscores our commitment to delivering a seamless in-car entertainment experience.”
