BMW Group UK has partnered with Global to bring the Global Player app directly into the dashboards of BMW and MINI vehicles, removing the need for smartphone mirroring altogether. The move makes BMW and MINI the first carmakers to integrate Global Player directly into a built-in vehicle app store.
Once downloaded, drivers can sign in just once and access live radio, catch-up content, podcasts and curated playlists using the car’s native infotainment system. Listening can be paused, rewound and resumed seamlessly between the car, home or office — with no interruption when switching devices.
The app is fully integrated into BMW and MINI’s user interface and vehicle controls, and streaming data is included as part of the BMW Digital Premium or MINI Connected Package subscriptions. That means no phone connection, no signal juggling, and no battery drain.
At launch, more than 180,000 BMW and MINI vehicles on UK roads support the Global Player app, with that figure expected to exceed 300,000 by the end of 2026. Support will extend to future models running BMW Operating System 9 or newer, including the upcoming BMW iX3 and all Neue Klasse vehicles.
“We’re excited to offer BMW and MINI customers enhanced connectivity through the new Global Player in-car app,” said Chris Hollis, BMW group customer digital applications manager. “It complements the wide variety of apps already available and strengthens our seamless in-car entertainment experience.”
Stephen Toombs, head of in-car distribution for Global Player at Global, added: “In-car listening plays an important role in people’s daily routines. This partnership helps make finding the audio they love as easy as possible.”
© Copyright 2026 Smart Media Publishing. All Rights Reserved.