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At CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Dell’s announcement drew the loudest cheer among hardware enthusiasts. After a widely criticised rebranding exercise that removed iconic PC names last year, the company used the world’s biggest tech show to bring back XPS, its most iconic lineup. The revival signals a renewed focus on clarity, heritage, and customer satisfaction.
In 2025, Dell scrapped long-standing PC brands, including XPS, in favour of a simplified naming structure. The goal was to make its portfolio easier to understand. Instead, the move confused buyers and coincided with a sharp drop in PC market share. What was once described as an ‘unforced error’ is now perceived as a marketing error.
During CES 2026, Dell unveiled the latest XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops, addressing long-standing issues. The capacitive function row has been replaced with a row of traditional physical keys, which allow easier use in all lighting conditions. The invisible trackpad integrated into the laptop body now has a subtle illuminated border.
Also Read: CES 2026: MSI Goes Big With Laptops, Gaming, and Handhelds
The redesign has also decreased the overall mass of the lineup's top models. XPS 14 is over 3 pounds, while the XPS 16 is down to 3.6 pounds, approximately 1 pound lower than the previous variant.
Both versions integrate Intel’s latest Panther Lake Core Ultra Series 3 processors and feature the same high-end OLED display options. This takes the performance and visual appeal of the devices to a new level.
Dell also revealed XPS 13, the thinnest, lightest, and most affordable XPS variant in history. XPS 14 and 16 will be available for purchase starting January 6, priced at $1,650 and $1,850, respectively. This is a strong indication that the company is trying to regain the confidence of its primary customers.
For live updates from CES 2026, follow Analytics Insight’s real-time coverage here.
