# MINI vs Rivian

The clearest difference is rating: MINI at 4.8 against Rivian's 4.4. MINI also leads on monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases) and ratings volume (26K vs 1.3K). On price, update cadence, ads and in-app purchases there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

MINI holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.4. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: MINI has 26K ratings behind it against 1.3K, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 60% of MINI's written reviews are positive against 45% of Rivian's.

Both ship on a similar rhythm, roughly fortnightly. The most recent releases landed on September 24, 2026 and September 22, 2026 respectively.

## The numbers

| Metric | MINI | Rivian |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | **[4.8 (26K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini/id1519458349/reviews)** | [4.4 (1.3K ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rivian/id1570215232/reviews) |
| Number of ratings | **26K** | 1.3K |
| Positive reviews | **59.8% of reviews** | 45.4% of reviews |
| In-app purchases | No | No |
| Ads | No | No |
| Update frequency | Fortnightly | Fortnightly |
| Monetization | **Free** | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 498 MB | 360 MB |
| Requires iOS | **16.0** | 18.0 |
| Devices | iPhone, Apple Watch | iPhone, Apple Watch |
| Age rating | 4+ | 17+ |
| Developer | [BMW NORTH AMERICA, LLC](https://appshunter.io/developer/505168748) | [Rivian](https://appshunter.io/developer/1394739758) |

## What reviewers say

### MINI

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/mini/id1519458349)

Manage your MINI vehicle remotely with this app. Check status, control features like climate and locks, plan trips with navigation and charging information, and book service appointments. Explore MINI news and products, or try it in demo mode.

**Highlights:** Check vehicle status (location, fuel, locks), Remote control (climate, locks, lights), Trip planning with navigation and traffic, E-mobility services (charging, range), Service appointment booking, MINI news and shop access, Demo mode for non-owners

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 👍 Nice app
- 🚀 Easy to use
- 🚀 Works flawlessly
- 🚀 Convenient access to information
- 👍 Useful features

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity issues
- 🐛 Charging status not updating
- 🐛 Bluetooth connection problems
- 🐛 App crashes frequently
- 🐛 Unreliable app performance

**Reported bugs**

- Time displayed incorrectly in charging notifications
- Unable to update charging timer
- Destination send to car feature not working after update
- App disconnects from VIN after uninstall/reinstall
- Repeated login required due to app forgetting vehicle

**Requested features**

- Remote start/stop function
- Ability to make car payments through the app
- Notifications for open windows/doors
- Charging timer setting
- Improved EV consumption tracking


### Rivian

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/rivian/id1570215232)

Control and manage your electric vehicle with your smartphone. Use your phone as a key, monitor charging, plan trips with charging stops, and access vehicle support and service. Keep your vehicle updated and ready for your next adventure.

**Highlights:** Phone as vehicle key, Remote lock/unlock, Remote climate control, Trip planning with charging stops, Charger and point of interest map, Vehicle status monitoring, Service and roadside assistance

**Features:** Apple Wallet, Apple Watch app, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases:** none

**What reviewers like**

- 🚀 Great app design
- 👍 Useful features like climate control and charging management
- 💎 Continuously improving with updates
- 🔒 Secure phone-as-a-key functionality

**What reviewers complain about**

- 🐛 Connectivity and reliability issues
- 🔍 Limited functionality compared to Tesla app
- 🔋 High battery drain on phone
- 🕰️ Slow app response times

**Reported bugs**

- Widgets disappearing after app updates
- Inconsistent phone-as-a-key performance
- Charging status not updating correctly

**Requested features**

- Remote access to cameras and Gear Guard videos
- Ability to control more vehicle functions like windows, frunk, and charge port
- Integration with Apple Watch and other smart devices
- Customizable charge scheduling and energy cost tracking


## Frequently asked questions

### Is MINI free?

MINI is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Is Rivian free?

Rivian is free to download, with no in-app purchases.

### Which has better reviews, MINI or Rivian?

MINI is rated higher. MINI averages 4.8 out of 5 from 26K ratings, while Rivian averages 4.4 from 1.3K ratings.

### Do MINI or Rivian have ads?

Neither MINI nor Rivian shows ads.

### Which is updated more often, MINI or Rivian?

MINI ships an update fortnightly, and Rivian fortnightly. Most recently, MINI was updated on September 24, 2026 and Rivian on September 22, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*