Dell is reintroducing the XPS laptop lineup a year after it replaced it with the “Dell Premium” series. The American technology firm is releasing refreshed XPS 14 and XPS 16 laptops featuring sleeker designs and outstanding battery performance. Both models will showcase the XPS emblem on their covers and include a physical function key row, eliminating a debated element from older versions.

Dell unveiled the XPS comeback at CES 2026, although information about it leaked beforehand. Certain configurations of the XPS 14 and XPS 16 will go on sale starting Tuesday at prices of $1,649.99 and $1,849.99, respectively, with additional variants set to launch in February. The XPS series will extend later this year, kicking off with a more affordable XPS 13.

“The XPS line has always represented our standard for high-end laptops,” the firm remarked in a blog entry. “The latest models have been completely redesigned, offering stunning aesthetics, fast performance, remarkable displays, and outstanding battery life—all contained in a compact unit meant to travel with you.”

In January 2025, Dell revamped the names of all its laptops under a newly established tiered naming framework, eliminating the well-established XPS, Inspiron, Precision, and Latitude branding. This change faced criticism for being perplexing and appearing to mimic Apple’s naming convention.

At that time, Dell indicated that the new nomenclature was intended to streamline its product lines. Nevertheless, customer loyalty to the XPS brand remained robust, leading to its reinstatement. Dell executives pointed out continued interest in the XPS series online, which played a role in their decision.

The XPS reintroduction signifies modifications to Dell’s lineup. The company will retain the just-Dell brand for its mainstream offerings, while XPS will substitute for the Dell Premium sub-tier in the high-end segment. The Dell Pro brand will continue to support commercial PCs, alongside the introduction of new sub-tiers for varying usage scenarios. The Dell Pro Max designation has been phased out.

The updated design of the new XPS laptops addresses consumer feedback. The XPS branding on their surfaces is a modification requested by enthusiasts. Dell has replaced the contentious capacitive touch function row with a standard function row featuring physical keys. The keyboard is now detachable for maintenance and includes deeper key travel.

The smooth glass touchpad has been engraved with lines to enhance usability. The 2026 XPS 14 and XPS 16 boast a more resilient unibody construction using aluminum and Corning Gorilla Glass. They will debut in Graphite, followed by a Shimmer finish later on.

Dell has revamped its thermal management system, enlarging and thinning the fans. The XPS 14 and XPS 16 are the slimmest Dell laptops of their sizes ever produced. The 14-inch variant is compact, having a smaller footprint compared to a 13-inch MacBook Air and weighing as little as three pounds. The XPS 16 begins at 3.65 pounds, over a pound lighter than the previous model.

The XPS 14 and XPS 16 can be customized with up to an Intel Core Ultra X7 chipset, Intel Arc graphics, 64GB of RAM, and 4GB of SSD storage. Versions with the Intel Core Ultra X9 will be available in the future.

Users have the option to upgrade to a 2.8K tandem OLED touchscreen, although the default 2K LCD display provides benefits such as a dynamic refresh rate of 1 to 120Hz, saving energy. Dell asserts that the LCD models deliver over a day of battery life, allowing for up to 27 hours of Netflix streaming and exceeding 40 hours of local video playback per charge.

The new XPS configurations will feature an 8MP camera and three modular Thunderbolt 4/USB-C ports, alongside a headphone jack.

Dell plans to continue the XPS revival with additional products “across various price ranges and formats” later this year, commencing with a new XPS 13. It is anticipated to be the slimmest and lightest XPS laptop ever and the most budget-friendly option. More information will be disclosed in the forthcoming months.