diff --git a/VERSION b/VERSION
index a551051..04a373e 100644
--- a/VERSION
+++ b/VERSION
@@ -1 +1 @@
-0.15.0
+0.16.0
diff --git a/frontend/src/lib/releaseNotes.ts b/frontend/src/lib/releaseNotes.ts
index aedf947..3dd62a7 100644
--- a/frontend/src/lib/releaseNotes.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/lib/releaseNotes.ts
@@ -14,6 +14,16 @@ export interface ReleaseEntry {
 }
 
 export const RELEASE_NOTES: ReleaseEntry[] = [
+  {
+    version: "0.16.0",
+    date: "2026-06-26",
+    summary: "Private messaging: chat with other members in real time, end-to-end encrypted.",
+    features: [
+      "A new Messages module: send direct messages to other members of your instance. Messages are end-to-end encrypted — only you and the person you're chatting with can read them, not even an admin. The first time you open it, you set a message passphrase that protects your key; it never leaves your device.",
+      "Real-time delivery: messages arrive instantly, with an unread badge on the Messages icon. A new message pops up (or flashes) a small Messenger-style chat window in the bottom-right corner that you can keep using while you browse — minimise, close, or open several at once.",
+      "A friendly Siftlode welcome message greets you in your inbox on first arrival.",
+    ],
+  },
   {
     version: "0.15.0",
     date: "2026-06-25",