diff --git a/config.py b/config.py
index fbb05a6..c6f68ad 100644
--- a/config.py
+++ b/config.py
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ from utils.env import get_env
 # These values are used in server responses and for tracking releases
 # IMPORTANT: This is the single source of truth for version and author info
 # Semantic versioning: MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH
-__version__ = "9.6.0"
+__version__ = "9.7.0"
 # Last update date in ISO format
 __updated__ = "2025-12-15"
 # Primary maintainer