Dell used CES 2026 to quietly admit what many long-time fans had already signaled: retiring the XPS

Dell used CES 2026 to quietly admit what many long-time fans had already signaled: retiring the XPS name was a misstep. After attempting to fold its flagship laptops under a generic “Dell Premium” label in 2025, the company has now restored XPS as its top-tier consumer and creator brand, citing consistent pushback from customers, reviewers, and channel partners.

The return of XPS isn’t just symbolic—it comes with a new generation of ultra-thin laptops designed to correct past design misfires while pushing hard on AI performance and battery efficiency.

The New XPS Lineup: What’s Official So Far

Dell confirmed two shipping models and teased a third that will arrive later in the year:

XPS 14 (DA14260)

14-inch chassis weighing about 1.36kg (3 lbs)

Display options include 2K LCD or 2.8K Tandem OLED

Positioned as the most portable performance XPS

XPS 16 (DA16260)

Larger 16-inch form factor at roughly 1.65kg (3.65 lbs)

Choice of 2K LCD or 3.2K Tandem OLED

Dell claims up to 78% faster on-device AI performance compared to the previous generation

XPS 13 (Coming Later in 2026)

Officially confirmed but not fully detailed

Expected to be Dell’s thinnest XPS ever, measuring under 13mm

Designed to emphasize extreme portability over raw horsepower

What Dell Changed After Listening to Users

This generation of XPS hardware reflects several deliberate course corrections:

Real Function Keys Are Back

The much-criticized capacitive touch row is gone, replaced by traditional physical function keys.

Improved Touchpad Visibility

The seamless glass haptic touchpad now features subtle etched borders, making it easier to locate during use.

Next-Gen Intel Platform

All models are built on Intel Core Ultra Series 3 (Panther Lake) processors with integrated Intel Arc graphics, tuned for AI workloads.

Longer Battery Life

Dell is advertising up to 27 hours of video playback on select 2K LCD configurations—an aggressive claim for machines this thin.

Better Serviceability

Modular USB-C ports and a removable keyboard assembly are meant to simplify repairs and extend product lifespan.

Bolder Branding

For the first time, the XPS logo appears prominently on the lid, signaling Dell’s renewed confidence in the name.

Pricing, Colors, and Availability

XPS 14: Starts at $1,649 (US)

XPS 16: Starts at $1,849 (US)

Initial configurations went on sale in the US and Canada on January 6, 2026. Additional finishes—Graphite and Shimmer—along with broader regional availability will roll out over the coming months.

For India, Dell is targeting an early February 2026 launch window, though final configurations and pricing are yet to be announced.

By Advik Gupta