diff --git a/build.gradle b/build.gradle
index b5d44827458..73dc5118161 100644
--- a/build.gradle
+++ b/build.gradle
@@ -59,7 +59,7 @@ ext {
     ? project.property('mavenRepoUrl') : '/tmp/myRepo/')
 
   // Current version of the library (could be in-development/unreleased).
-  mdcLibraryVersion = '1.5.0-alpha05'
+  mdcLibraryVersion = '1.6.0-alpha01'
   mdcLibraryPackage = "com.google.android.material"
   mdcLibraryDir = "com/google/android/material"
 }