Gadgets

Dell revives XPS again: ultralight laptops over AI PCs

Dell revives XPS: back to basics, not AI PCs
XPS Returns
  • Key Takeaways:
  • Dell is restoring the XPS line with the XPS 14 and XPS 16, repricing flagship ultralight laptops starting at $2,049 and $2,200 respectively.
  • The company has dialed back ‘AI PC’ marketing and returned focus to thin designs, battery life, displays and familiar input hardware.
  • New XPS machines reintroduce physical function keys, bordered haptic touchpads, and will include a cheaper XPS 13 with a traditional chiclet keyboard later in 2026.

Back to the XPS era

Dell reversed a 2025 decision to retire the XPS brand and reintroduced consumer-focused XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops at a CES preview event. "It was obvious we needed to change," Jeff Clarke, Dell vice chairman and COO, said at the announcement.

The move restores a trusted recommendation for buyers seeking thin, lightweight Windows laptops with solid displays and decent battery life.

Why the shift from "AI PC" matters

Last year Dell consolidated its product families into Dell Premium, Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max and leaned into the "AI PC" narrative to sell on-device intelligence. Kevin Terwilliger, Dell VP and GM of PCs, framed that push as an effort to make AI-equipped PCs easier to find for customers.

This relaunch signals that Dell believes mainstream buyers still prioritize form factor, battery life and comfort over hype about local AI processing.

Design and input changes

The new XPS 14 and XPS 16 drop several of the controversial 2022 design experiments. Physical function rows return to the keyboard. The haptic, borderless touchpad remains but now includes reassuring left and right borders.

Dell kept the lattice-free keyboard used on the XPS 13 Plus, but it plans a lower-cost XPS 13 later in 2026 with a conventional chiclet keyboard to hit lower price points.

Software and partnerships

Dell’s product pages acknowledge Microsoft’s Copilot+ PC program but emphasize core laptop attributes—thin build, low weight, battery life and display quality—rather than on-device AI performance.

Pricing, availability and what’s next

The XPS 14 starts at $2,049 and the XPS 16 at $2,200. Dell says additional configurations that will bring pricing "well under $2,000" are due in February, and a refreshed XPS 13 with final specs and pricing will follow later in 2026.

Why it matters

Dell’s pivot is a reminder that after a year of aggressive AI positioning, core laptop priorities still drive consumer decisions. For buyers, the XPS return restores a familiar, practical option instead of marketing-driven categories.

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