diff --git a/HISTORY.md b/HISTORY.md
index 3ad466bc83..ac3ca5ee9a 100644
--- a/HISTORY.md
+++ b/HISTORY.md
@@ -1,5 +1,9 @@
 # Keyman Version History
 
+## 18.0.253 stable 2026-10-02
+
+* fix(mac): disable the help button entirely in the title bar of OSK (#16680)
+
 ## 18.0.252 stable 2026-09-22
 
 * change(android): use webview asset loader (#16628)
diff --git a/VERSION.md b/VERSION.md
index 4995a26b83..e419f354e2 100644
--- a/VERSION.md
+++ b/VERSION.md
@@ -1 +1 @@
-18.0.253
\ No newline at end of file
+18.0.254
\ No newline at end of file