After a tumultuous 2025 that saw Dell’s market share tumble following a confusing decision to retire its iconic sub-brands, the company has arrived at CES 2026 with a significant course correction. The legendary XPS lineup is officially back, and in a move that signals a newfound humility, Dell is prioritizing the brand by placing the XPS logo prominently on the chassis of its latest machines, effectively replacing the Dell name. This pivot suggests that Dell has recognized the previous rebranding experiment as a marketing disaster and is now focused on winning back its core audience with a refined, practical vision for its premium notebooks.
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The newly revealed XPS 14 and XPS 16 represent a thoughtful evolution of the design language that previously frustrated some users. Most notably, Dell has replaced the controversial capacitive touch buttons with a traditional function row of physical keys, addressing long-standing complaints about usability in varied lighting conditions. While the “invisible” trackpad remains a signature aesthetic choice, it now features a subtle light border to help users tactilely identify its boundaries. These adjustments, combined with a sleeker profile, have allowed Dell to significantly reduce the weight of both models; the XPS 14 has shed half a pound to reach a three-pound frame, while the XPS 16 is now a full pound lighter than its predecessor at 3.6 pounds.
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Under the hood, these machines are equipped with cutting-edge technology, featuring Intel’s new Panther Lake Core Ultra Series 3 processors and optional tandem OLED displays for superior visual performance. Looking further into 2026, Dell also teased an upcoming XPS 13 that promises to be the thinnest and lightest in the company’s history, potentially at a more accessible price point than previous iterations. For those looking to upgrade immediately, the XPS 14 and 16 will be available starting January 6th, with initial high-spec configurations priced at $2,050 and $2,200, respectively, followed by more budget-friendly, entry-level versions in February.
