diff --git a/readme.txt b/readme.txt
index a3e229bf..893f147f 100644
--- a/readme.txt
+++ b/readme.txt
@@ -166,6 +166,9 @@ No specific extensions are needed. But we highly recommended keep active these P
 
 IMPORTANT: PLEASE UPDATE THE PLUGIN TO AT LEAST VERSION 2.6.7 IMMEDIATELY. VERSION 2.6.7 PATCHES SECURITY PRIVILEGE ESCALATION VULNERABILITY. PLEASE SEE [THIS ARTICLE](https://docs.ultimatemember.com/article/1866-security-incident-update-and-recommended-actions) FOR MORE INFORMATION
 
+= 2.6.9: August xx, 2023 =
+
+
 = 2.6.8: July 19, 2023 =
 
 * Enhancements:
diff --git a/ultimate-member.php b/ultimate-member.php
index 32a0ccba..a7c4b81c 100644
--- a/ultimate-member.php
+++ b/ultimate-member.php
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 Plugin Name: Ultimate Member
 Plugin URI: http://ultimatemember.com/
 Description: The easiest way to create powerful online communities and beautiful user profiles with WordPress
-Version: 2.6.8
+Version: 2.6.9-alpha
 Author: Ultimate Member
 Author URI: http://ultimatemember.com/
 Text Domain: ultimate-member