Dell Revives Iconic XPS Laptop Series for Modern Users

Dell is bringing back its iconic XPS line, reviving a series that has long been synonymous with premium design and high performance. The relaunch signals a renewed commitment to innovation in the competitive laptop market.

After the Storm: The Return of the XPS

It’s not every day that a tech giant admits defeat, but Dell‘s recent move signals just that. In a surprising announcement at CES 2026, the company reversed its widely criticized decision to eliminate its iconic XPS line—a decision that, frankly, few in the industry saw as anything less than disastrous. Aiming to simplify its product lineup last year, Dell instead sparked widespread confusion and suffered a significant decline in market share throughout 2025. Commentators didn’t mince words, dubbing the rebranding a “complete marketing disaster.”

The XPS Identity: Back and Bolder

This time around, Dell is making no half-measures. The celebrated XPS logo now takes pride of place, even replacing the traditional Dell badge on every new laptop in the series. Debuting at the event were the freshly designed XPS 14 and XPS 16. Both models show an obvious effort to address earlier criticisms: physical function keys replace unreliable capacitive buttons—an improvement especially welcome under bright lights—and the previously controversial “invisible” touchpad now features subtle illumination outlining its active area.

Lighter Devices and Subtle Inspirations

Looking closely, one can spot echoes of the understated style seen in Microsoft’s Surface Laptop. But these machines are more than just pretty faces. They’re lighter—down to about three pounds for the XPS 14 (a substantial weight reduction), while the larger XPS 16 trims off nearly a kilogram compared to its predecessor. Underneath those sleek chassis: cutting-edge Intel Panther Lake Core Ultra Series 3 processors and optional state-of-the-art OLED displays.

Several factors explain this comprehensive overhaul:

• Slimmer, lighter chassis for greater portability.
• A return to ergonomic essentials—classic function keys and a defined touchpad.
• The integration of updated internal technologies from Intel and OLED panels.

A Glimpse Ahead: The Next Generation

There’s more on the horizon. Briefly teased was a new ultra-compact XPS 13—touted as potentially the thinnest and lightest ever produced by Dell. Interestingly, it’s expected to hit shelves at a lower price point than previous generations, signaling an openness to broader accessibility.

For now, though, both new XPS models are available—priced at $1,650 for the XPS 14 and $1,850 for the XPS 16. Clearly, even industry leaders sometimes need a reminder that innovation doesn’t always mean leaving tradition behind.