diff --git a/Tools/AP_Periph/ReleaseNotes.txt b/Tools/AP_Periph/ReleaseNotes.txt
index 5165da3b52..d2495487fa 100644
--- a/Tools/AP_Periph/ReleaseNotes.txt
+++ b/Tools/AP_Periph/ReleaseNotes.txt
@@ -1,3 +1,17 @@
+Release 1.6.0 8th September 2023
+--------------------------------
+
+This is a major release with the following changes:
+
+ - much faster CAN bootloader for faster firmware update
+ - improved handling of peripherals with 2 or more CAN interfaces
+ - support most AP_Periph features in SITL testing
+ - added RC input support
+ - added battery balance plug support
+ - support sending RPM over DroneCAN
+ - support for pitot temperature reporting
+
+
 Release 1.5.1 23rd July 2023
 ---------------------------
 
diff --git a/Tools/AP_Periph/version.h b/Tools/AP_Periph/version.h
index 2cd4fb5bf0..e0ceaf6046 100644
--- a/Tools/AP_Periph/version.h
+++ b/Tools/AP_Periph/version.h
@@ -2,16 +2,12 @@
 
 #include <GCS_MAVLink/GCS_MAVLink.h>
 
-#define THISFIRMWARE "AP_Periph V1.5.0"
+#define THISFIRMWARE "AP_Periph V1.6.0"
 
 // the following line is parsed by the autotest scripts
-#define FIRMWARE_VERSION 1,5,0,FIRMWARE_VERSION_TYPE_OFFICIAL
+#define FIRMWARE_VERSION 1,6,0,FIRMWARE_VERSION_TYPE_OFFICIAL
 
 #define FW_MAJOR 1
-#define FW_MINOR 5
+#define FW_MINOR 6
 #define FW_PATCH 0
 #define FW_TYPE FIRMWARE_VERSION_TYPE_OFFICIAL
-
-
-
-