Ok, this is going to be shorter than the essay I just typed because the app erased my entry when I left it to check which version of iOS in running, but here's the gist.

I was under the impression that, when connected via USB to MINI and using MINI Connected, Journey Mate, or Spotify (through MINI Connected, not Bluetooth) these apps had to be running in the foreground. Today I was able to run both Journey Mate and Spotify in the background, run Waze in the foreground and have no issues. I was even able to still control Spotify from the head unit while Waze was in the foreground. I'm running iOS 8.2, haven't upgraded to 8.3 yet. Is this normal, or am I special?

 

It's probably normal, but you're still special too

 

Hmm....I think you're special...doesn't do that for me...

More testing is required though...tried it once and I just upgraded to iOS 8.3

 

I also have iOS 8.2 and that's not happening with my Mini connected. Can't run anything in the background. I'm now on 8.3 version but I don't think that will make any difference unless the application code for Mini connected has been programmed to allow apps running in the background.

I'd say you have something special

 

Mine allows me to do other things on my phone as well. I'm running 8.3. It also worked with 8.2.

 

I believe it is in the timing of launching Spotify and exiting the app before the MINI Connected portion of the app kicks in to lock in the app. If you start playing Spotify and quickly switch to another app before you get locked in, it should play in the background I believe.