In a notable reversal of strategy, Dell has officially resurrected its flagship XPS laptop brand at CES 2026, just one year after controversially retiring the name. The move comes alongside the launch of the new XPS 14 and XPS 16, which promise a return to user-friendly design, significant battery life gains, and a simplified product lineup aimed at winning back consumer trust and clarity.
Key Specifications: Dell XPS 14 & XPS 16 (Launch Configurations)
| Feature | XPS 14 | XPS 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | USD 2,049.99 | USD 2,199.99 |
| Processor | Intel Core Ultra 5 325 (Panther Lake) | Intel Core Ultra 5 325 (Panther Lake) |
| RAM | 16GB LPDDR5X | 16GB LPDDR5X |
| Storage | 512GB SSD | 512GB SSD |
| Base Display | 14", 1920x1200 IPS, 1-120Hz VRR | 16", 1920x1200 IPS, 1-120Hz VRR |
| OLED Display | 14", 2880x1800 Tandem OLED | 16", 3200x2000 Tandem OLED |
| Weight | From 3 lbs / 1.36 kg | From 3.65 lbs / 1.65 kg |
| Battery | 70Whr | 70Whr |
| Graphics | Intel Integrated Graphics (No dGPU option at launch) | Intel Integrated Graphics (No dGPU option at launch) |
| Availability | Select configs from Jan 6, 2026; more in Feb 2026 | Select configs from Jan 6, 2026; more in Feb 2026 |
A Branding U-Turn and a Public Apology
The story of Dell's 2026 CES announcement is as much about corporate humility as it is about new hardware. In 2025, Dell made the polarizing decision to kill the XPS, Inspiron, and Precision brands, replacing them with a confusing array of "Dell," "Dell Pro," "Dell Pro Max," "Dell Plus," and "Dell Premium" models. At CES 2026, Dell Vice Chairman and COO Jeff Clarke publicly acknowledged the misstep. "We've been a bit off course," Clarke told journalists. "I owe you an apology. We didn't listen to you. You were right...we can be humble, and we can correct decisions that we've made in the past." The company is now streamlining its consumer portfolio: everyday laptops remain "Dell," premium models reclaim the "XPS" name, and gaming systems fall under Alienware.
Dell's Simplified 2026 Consumer Laptop Branding
- Dell: Standard, lightweight laptops for everyday consumers.
- XPS: Premium laptops for consumers and professionals (the revived brand).
- Alienware: All gaming laptops (expanded from only high-end models).
- Dell Pro: Enterprise/business-focused models only.
New XPS 14 and XPS 16: Specifications and Key Features
The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 are the first fruits of this "return to form." They are built from CNC-machined aluminum, making them Dell's thinnest and lightest XPS designs to date. The XPS 14 starts at 3 pounds (1.36 kg), while the XPS 16 begins at 3.65 pounds (1.65 kg). Both are powered by Intel's new Panther Lake Core Ultra Series 3 processors, with configurations starting with a Core Ultra 5 325 chip and going up to a Core Ultra X9 388H later in the year. Notably, discrete graphics cards are not an option at launch; Dell is relying on Intel's integrated graphics. A key selling point is battery life, aided by 70Whr cells and variable refresh rate displays that can drop as low as 1Hz for static content, a feature available even on the base IPS panels.
Addressing Past Design Grievances
Dell has directly addressed two of the most criticized design elements from its recent past. The much-maligned capacitive touch function row, reminiscent of Apple's failed Touch Bar experiment, has been replaced with a standard row of physical function keys. Furthermore, the seamless haptic touchpad, which previously offered no tactile boundary, now features subtle glass etching along its edges to define its perimeter. These changes signify a clear shift from "form over function" back to practical usability. However, the latticeless keyboard design, another point of contention for some reviewers, remains on these new 14 and 16-inch models.
Design Changes from Previous Models
- Reverted: Capacitive touch function row → Physical function keys.
- Improved: Seamless haptic touchpad → Touchpad with etched edges for definition.
- Unchanged: Latticeless keyboard design (on XPS 14/16).
- New: CNC-machined aluminum chassis; XPS logo on lid (replaces Dell logo).
Display Options, Pricing, and Availability
The laptops offer a choice between IPS and premium tandem OLED displays. The base IPS screens have a 1920 x 1200 resolution, while the OLED options are sharper and brighter at 2880 x 1800 for the XPS 14 and 3200 x 2000 for the XPS 16. Launch configurations, available from January 6th, include 16GB of LPDDR5X RAM and a 512GB SSD. Pricing has been set at a premium point: the XPS 14 starts at USD 2,049.99 and the XPS 16 at USD 2,199.99 for these initial configurations. More entry-level and higher-end builds are scheduled for February. In a nod to developers and Linux enthusiasts, Dell also confirmed an XPS 14 model running Ubuntu 24.04 will arrive later in the year.
The Future: A Thinner XPS 13 and Competitive Positioning
Looking ahead, Dell teased an upcoming XPS 13, slated for later in 2026, which it claims will be the thinnest and lightest XPS ever at under 13mm thick. Interestingly, this model will revert to a traditional chiclet-style keyboard, a move Dell's design head cited as being "more cost efficient" and aimed at achieving a lower price point. This strategic pivot positions the new XPS line squarely as Dell's answer to Apple's MacBook family, with the XPS 14 and 16 targeting the MacBook Pro segment and the future XPS 13 taking aim at the MacBook Air. After a year of brand confusion, Dell's CES 2026 presentation represents a concerted effort to refocus on its core premium laptop identity, betting that familiar branding, refined design, and clear performance promises will resonate with consumers once again.