In a surprising but welcome move for its loyal user base, Dell has officially resurrected its iconic XPS laptop brand, just one year after controversially retiring the name. The revival comes with the launch of two new flagship models, the Dell XPS 14 and XPS 16, which promise significant refinements in design, performance, and user experience, powered by Intel's latest generation of processors. This announcement marks a significant strategic pivot for the company, acknowledging that its previous branding overhaul failed to resonate with consumers.
Dell Acknowledges Branding Misstep and Reinstates XPS
Dell's decision to bring back the XPS name is a direct response to consumer feedback and commercial performance. During a recent press conference, Jeff Clarke, COO of Dell Technologies, openly stated that the complicated "Pro/Plus/Premium" naming scheme introduced last year "didn't do what we said it would do." The company confirmed that fiscal numbers following the brand restructuring were not meeting expectations, leading to an internal decision in Q3 of 2025 to reinstate the beloved XPS moniker. This swift reversal underscores the powerful brand equity the XPS line has built over decades, an identity that Dell now admits was a mistake to discard.
New XPS 14 and XPS 16: Specifications and Design Refinements
The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 are not mere re-badges of old models but represent a thoughtful evolution. Both laptops are built around Intel's new "Panther Lake" CPUs, available in Core Ultra 5, 7, X7, and X9 variants. They forgo discrete graphics in favor of integrated Intel Arc graphics with 12 Xe cores, which Dell claims delivers up to 57% faster AI performance in the XPS 14 and 78% in the XPS 16 compared to previous generations. The design sees meaningful tweaks based on user critiques, most notably the return of a physical function key row, replacing the capacitive touch strip that many found impractical. The haptic touchpad has also been textured for better tactile definition.
Key Specifications: Dell XPS 14 & XPS 16 (2026)
| Feature | Dell XPS 14 | Dell XPS 16 |
|---|---|---|
| Processors | Intel Panther Lake (Core Ultra 5/7/X7/X9) | Intel Panther Lake (Core Ultra 5/7/X7/X9) |
| Graphics | Intel Arc Graphics (12 Xe Cores) | Intel Arc Graphics (12 Xe Cores) |
| AI Perf. Gain | Up to 57% faster (vs. prior gen) | Up to 78% faster (vs. prior gen) |
| RAM | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB | 16GB / 32GB / 64GB |
| Storage | Up to 4TB | Up to 4TB |
| Display Options | Tandem OLED or LCD | Tandem OLED or LCD |
| Refresh Rate | LCD: 1Hz-120Hz; OLED: 20Hz-120Hz | LCD: 1Hz-120Hz; OLED: 20Hz-120Hz |
| Battery | 70Whr | 70Whr |
| Claimed Battery Life | Up to 27 hrs (normal use), 40+ hrs (video) | Up to 27 hrs (normal use), 40+ hrs (video) |
| Starting Price | USD 1,649.99 | USD 1,849.99 |
| Availability | From Jan 6, 2026 (US/Canada) | From Jan 6, 2026 (US/Canada) |
Enhanced Usability, Repairability, and Display Options
Beyond performance, Dell has focused on practical improvements. The new models feature modular USB-C ports and an easier-to-remove keyboard design, aligning with a growing industry trend toward improved repairability and fighting planned obsolescence. For the first time, an "XPS" logo is proudly displayed on the laptop lid. Display options are a highlight, with a choice between a stunning tandem OLED panel or an LCD. The LCD variants offer a dynamic refresh rate from 1Hz to 120Hz for optimal battery savings, while the OLEDs run from 20Hz to 120Hz. Both laptops are equipped with a 70Whr battery, which Dell states can deliver up to 27 hours of normal use or over 40 hours of video playback.
Key Design & Usability Improvements
- Branding: "XPS" logo added to laptop lid for the first time.
- Keyboard: Physical function (F) keys return, replacing capacitive strip.
- Trackpad: New texture on haptic touchpad for better edge detection.
- Repairability: Modular USB-C ports and easier-to-remove keyboard design.
- Webcam: "World's thinnest and narrowest" 8MP 4K webcam.
- Weight: XPS 14 is 0.5lbs lighter than its predecessor.
- Thickness: XPS 16 is the thinnest clamshell model yet at 14.6mm (0.57 inches).
Pricing, Availability, and the Road Ahead
The new XPS lineup will be available starting January 6, 2026, in the US and Canada. The Dell XPS 14 has a starting price of USD 1,649.99, while the XPS 16 starts at USD 1,849.99. These launch configurations will offer RAM options from 16GB to 64GB and storage up to 4TB. Dell has also teased a new 13-inch XPS model, developed in a remarkably short 90-day timeframe, which is slated for release later in 2026. This signals a broader commitment to the XPS brand across more form factors than before. For enthusiasts and professionals who have cherished the XPS line for its blend of power and premium build, this revival, coupled with tangible hardware upgrades, makes a compelling case for an upgrade.