Dell’s XPS revival is a welcome reprieve from the “AI PC” fad

In a significant turnaround, Dell has reintroduced its XPS laptops and desktops, much to the relief of fans and tech enthusiasts alike. Following the controversial decision to phase out the XPS line in January 2025, the company has now launched 16-inch and 14-inch models once again. Jeff Clarke, Dell Technologies' vice chairman and COO, acknowledged the need for change during a press event in New York City, where he previewed the company's CES 2026 announcements. A year prior, Dell had abandoned its established XPS branding along with the Latitude, Inspiron, and Precision series, opting instead for the less recognizable Dell Premium, Dell Pro, and Dell Pro Max names. Despite this shift, the re-emergence of the XPS line signals a return to a beloved choice for consumers seeking ultralight laptops. Historically, XPS laptops were celebrated for their sleek designs, modern features, and strong performance at competitive prices. This year’s models mark a departure from some of the design changes that were implemented in 2022, which had drawn criticism from users. The previous XPS 13 Plus featured a capacitive-touch function row and a borderless touchpad, which left many users feeling uncomfortable with the lack of physical buttons. The newly launched XPS 14 and XPS 16 models now incorporate physical function rows, along with a haptic touchpad that includes reassuring left and right borders. Although they maintain the lattice-free keyboard design from the XPS 13 Plus, Dell plans to introduce a more affordable XPS 13 later this year featuring a traditional chiclet keyboard, catering to those who prefer a familiar typing experience. With the return of the XPS line, Dell is clearly responding to customer feedback and aiming to reclaim its position in the competitive laptop market, leaving behind the experiment with its prior branding strategy.