Dell's decision to revive its XPS laptop brand at CES 2026 marks a significant turnaround for the company, which had previously abandoned the iconic name. The move is seen as a bold step towards regaining its footing in the competitive PC market.
By bringing back the XPS moniker, Dell aims to rekindle the magic that made its previous-gen models so beloved. The brand's signature focus on excellent design, quality engineering, and top-notch performance has been evident in the past decade, earning it a reputation as one of the best Windows laptops available.
However, the company's decision to replace XPS with a generic "premium" label last year was met with skepticism by many fans. The move seemed like a step backwards, diminishing the value proposition that made XPS so desirable.
The new strategy now aims to restore the brand's identity and provide clarity for consumers. Dell will be launching its broadest PC portfolio yet, including an all-new version of the XPS 13, and overhauling its XPS 14 and XPS 16 lines. The company is also retooling internally, with the consumer device team reporting directly to COO Jeff Clarke.
One notable change is Dell's decision to eliminate seamless all-glass slates in favor of segmented touchpads. This move is seen as a nod to criticism from fans who felt that the previous design was too sleek and soulless.
The XPS brand will once again be at the forefront of Dell's consumer portfolio, with its logo prominently displayed on every laptop. The company has also reaffirmed its commitment to producing "great products," as stated by Clarke in his CES 2026 keynote address.
While it remains to be seen how this new strategy will pan out, one thing is clear: Dell's willingness to learn from its mistakes and adapt is a positive sign for the brand's future. The company's revival of XPS at CES 2026 marks a promising chapter in its journey towards redemption.
By bringing back the XPS moniker, Dell aims to rekindle the magic that made its previous-gen models so beloved. The brand's signature focus on excellent design, quality engineering, and top-notch performance has been evident in the past decade, earning it a reputation as one of the best Windows laptops available.
However, the company's decision to replace XPS with a generic "premium" label last year was met with skepticism by many fans. The move seemed like a step backwards, diminishing the value proposition that made XPS so desirable.
The new strategy now aims to restore the brand's identity and provide clarity for consumers. Dell will be launching its broadest PC portfolio yet, including an all-new version of the XPS 13, and overhauling its XPS 14 and XPS 16 lines. The company is also retooling internally, with the consumer device team reporting directly to COO Jeff Clarke.
One notable change is Dell's decision to eliminate seamless all-glass slates in favor of segmented touchpads. This move is seen as a nod to criticism from fans who felt that the previous design was too sleek and soulless.
The XPS brand will once again be at the forefront of Dell's consumer portfolio, with its logo prominently displayed on every laptop. The company has also reaffirmed its commitment to producing "great products," as stated by Clarke in his CES 2026 keynote address.
While it remains to be seen how this new strategy will pan out, one thing is clear: Dell's willingness to learn from its mistakes and adapt is a positive sign for the brand's future. The company's revival of XPS at CES 2026 marks a promising chapter in its journey towards redemption.