Gadgets

Dell Revives XPS Laptops After Rebrand Backlash

Dell Revives XPS Line — XPS 14 & 16 Return
XPS Returns

Key Takeaways:

  • Dell is reinstating the XPS laptop brand after retiring it during a 2025 rebrand that replaced legacy names with labels like Dell Pro.
  • Limited configurations of the XPS 14 and XPS 16 will be available immediately; a 13-inch XPS is planned later this year.
  • A Dell executive acknowledged the PC business had “gotten a bit off course,” signaling a strategic pivot back to premium branding.
  • The move follows customer and reviewer pushback against the earlier naming shift that evoked Apple-like conventions.

What Dell announced

Dell Technologies said it will bring back the XPS family of laptops, restoring a series that long anchored its premium consumer lineup. The company will initially offer limited configurations of two models, the XPS 14 and XPS 16, with availability starting this week.

Immediate models and roadmap

The relaunch launches with the 14-inch and 16-inch models in select configurations. Dell confirmed a smaller 13-inch XPS is in development and expected to arrive later in the year, expanding the refreshed lineup.

Why the reversal matters

Last year Dell replaced familiar names with simpler labels such as Dell Pro and Dell Pro Max, a change that drew negative reactions from customers and reviewers. The company’s decision to restore XPS underscores how brand equity and consumer sentiment influence hardware strategy.

Executive candidness

A top Dell executive acknowledged the PC unit had “gotten a bit off course,” framing the XPS comeback as part of a corrective strategy. The comment signals leadership’s willingness to respond to market feedback rather than persist with a broader naming experiment.

What this means for buyers and the market

For consumers and reviewers, the return of XPS suggests Dell will recommit to premium design and performance where the XPS name has strong recognition. Early availability of the XPS 14 and XPS 16 gives buyers alternatives to rivals such as Apple, HP, and Lenovo in the thin-and-light high-end segment.

Brand and product implications

Reinstating XPS may also affect Dell’s channel and marketing plans as it balances simplified product lines with legacy names that still carry prestige. Watch for configurations, prices, and reviews to determine whether the revived XPS meets expectations set by past models.

Bottom line

Dell’s decision to bring back XPS combines customer feedback with a reset in product strategy. With XPS 14 and XPS 16 shipping now and a 13-inch model on the way, Dell aims to return to a proven premium play in the laptop market.

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