diff --git a/templates/blank/package.json b/templates/blank/package.json
index ba0113e1ae4..ddf7025e720 100644
--- a/templates/blank/package.json
+++ b/templates/blank/package.json
@@ -25,7 +25,7 @@
     "cross-env": "^7.0.3",
     "dotenv": "16.4.7",
     "graphql": "^16.8.1",
-    "next": "15.4.7",
+    "next": "16.1.5",
     "payload": "workspace:*",
     "react": "19.1.0",
     "react-dom": "19.1.0",