diff --git a/api/release-notes-internal.md b/api/release-notes-internal.md
index 2d99270edc2..7a3d81e5cbf 100644
--- a/api/release-notes-internal.md
+++ b/api/release-notes-internal.md
@@ -6,6 +6,12 @@ For more details about this release, please see the full [technical change log][
 
 This internal release, pulled from the `edge` branch, contains features being developed for 8.2.0. It's for internal testing only.
 
+## Internal Release 2.1.0-alpha.0
+
+This internal release contains features being developed for 8.1.0. It's for internal testing only.
+
+- Added support for Verdin IMX8MM Rev E and above which changes the CAN base clock from 20Mhz to 40Mhz.
+
 ## Internal Release 2.0.0-alpha.4
 
 This internal release, pulled from the `edge` branch, contains features being developed for 8.0.0. It's for internal testing only. There are no changes to `buildroot`, `ot3-firmware`, or `oe-core` since the last internal release.
diff --git a/api/release-notes.md b/api/release-notes.md
index aad0cadea7a..2a528502bef 100644
--- a/api/release-notes.md
+++ b/api/release-notes.md
@@ -8,6 +8,16 @@ By installing and using Opentrons software, you agree to the Opentrons End-User
 
 ---
 
+## Opentrons Robot Software Changes in 8.1.0
+
+Welcome to the v8.1.0 release of the Opentrons robot software!
+
+### Hardware Support
+
+- Latest production version of Flex robots
+
+---
+
 ## Opentrons Robot Software Changes in 8.0.0
 
 Welcome to the v8.0.0 release of the Opentrons robot software!
diff --git a/app-shell/build/release-notes-internal.md b/app-shell/build/release-notes-internal.md
index 5316ca3ad71..b7780dc8c88 100644
--- a/app-shell/build/release-notes-internal.md
+++ b/app-shell/build/release-notes-internal.md
@@ -5,6 +5,10 @@ For more details about this release, please see the full [technical changelog][]
 
 This internal release, pulled from the `edge` branch, contains features being developed for 8.2.0. It's for internal testing only.
 
+## Internal Release 2.1.0-alpha.0
+
+This internal release contains features being developed for 8.1.0. It's for internal testing only.
+
 ## Internal Release 2.0.0-alpha.4
 
 This internal release, pulled from the `edge` branch, contains features being developed for 8.0.0. It's for internal testing only. There are no changes to `buildroot`, `ot3-firmware`, or `oe-core` since the last internal release.
diff --git a/app-shell/build/release-notes.md b/app-shell/build/release-notes.md
index 80b36253b85..27ff23e0909 100644
--- a/app-shell/build/release-notes.md
+++ b/app-shell/build/release-notes.md
@@ -8,6 +8,18 @@ By installing and using Opentrons software, you agree to the Opentrons End-User
 
 ---
 
+## Opentrons App Changes in 8.1.0
+
+Welcome to the v8.1.0 release of the Opentrons App!
+
+There are no new features in the Opentrons App in v8.1.0, but it is required for updating the robot software to support the latest production version of Flex robots.
+
+### Bug Fixes
+
+- Prevented Flex from showing the first-run screen when powering on a robot that's already set up.
+
+---
+
 ## Opentrons App Changes in 8.0.0
 
 Welcome to the v8.0.0 release of the Opentrons App!