diff --git a/core/core-spacemacs-buffer.el b/core/core-spacemacs-buffer.el
index ab3b51854a53..e3b8605feec3 100644
--- a/core/core-spacemacs-buffer.el
+++ b/core/core-spacemacs-buffer.el
@@ -37,7 +37,7 @@ See `dotspacemacs-startup-buffer-responsive'.")
   "Length used for startup lists with otherwise unspecified bounds.
 Set to nil for unbounded.")
 
-(defvar spacemacs-buffer--release-note-version nil
+(defvar spacemacs-buffer--release-note-version "9999999999"
   "If nil the release note is displayed.
 If non nil it contains a version number, if the version number is lesser than
 the current version the release note it displayed")