MINI Operating System 9 has been consistently designed for operation by touch and speech. While the operation of earlier MINI operating systems was based on a hierarchical menu structure, the design and operation of Operating System 9 is oriented towards the use of individual apps, similar to smartphones. The upper area of the central instrument ("MINI Interaction Unit") contains the relevant driving information such as speed, fuel tank capacity or range. The main display serves as a central starting point for opening the apps. With a horizontal swipe, the driver switches between the live widgets placed in the centre of the display. These allow direct access by touch to the entertainment programme, contact lists, vehicle settings, interaction with the MINI Intelligent Personal Assistant and other menu items. A tap on the home icon in the menu bar at the bottom of the circular MINI Interaction Unit returns the display to the main display. In the menu bar, to the right and left of the centrally placed Home button, there are further icons for direct access to relevant and frequently used menus such as Climate, All Apps, Navigation, Media or Telephone.