diff --git a/anki/__init__.py b/anki/__init__.py
index 673cc7e49..d9d022c11 100644
--- a/anki/__init__.py
+++ b/anki/__init__.py
@@ -9,6 +9,6 @@ if sys.version_info[0] < 3:
 elif sys.version_info[1] < 4:
     raise Exception("Anki requires Python 3.4+")
 
-version="2.1.0a15" # build scripts grep this line, so preserve formatting
+version="2.1.0beta1" # build scripts grep this line, so preserve formatting
 from anki.storage import Collection
 __all__ = ["Collection"]
diff --git a/aqt/__init__.py b/aqt/__init__.py
index bfd079918..6db338dad 100644
--- a/aqt/__init__.py
+++ b/aqt/__init__.py
@@ -247,7 +247,7 @@ environment points to a valid, writable folder.""")
     # remaining pm init
     pm.ensureProfile()
 
-    print("This is an ALPHA build - please do not package it up for Linux distributions")
+    print("This is an BETA build - please do not package it up for Linux distributions")
 
     # load the main window
     import aqt.main