Sometimes the best business decision is knowing when to listen. Dell has done exactly that, announcing at CES 2026 the triumphant return of its beloved XPS laptop brand—a move that demonstrates the power of customer feedback and corporate humility.

Just a year after simplifying its product naming to Dell, Dell Pro, and Dell Max, the computing pioneer acknowledged what its customers had been saying all along: the XPS name matters. Jeff Clarke, Dell's COO and Vice Chairman, candidly told media at a New York event that the company "got a bit off course" and graciously admitted that customers were "right on branding."

This refreshing honesty from a major tech company sets a wonderful example for the industry. Rather than stubbornly sticking to a strategy that wasn't resonating, Dell chose to pivot—and they're backing up that decision with impressive new hardware.

The reborn XPS lineup debuts with two stunning premium laptops: the XPS 14 and XPS 16. These sleek machines represent everything customers loved about the original XPS brand, now enhanced with cutting-edge technology. Powered by Intel's newly unveiled Core Ultra Series 3 processors and featuring built-in Intel Arc graphics with 12 Xe cores, these laptops earn their Copilot+ PC certification.

What's particularly exciting is how Dell has managed to make these new models both more powerful and more portable than their predecessors. At just 14.6mm thick, they're even more compact than the new MacBook Air 13. The XPS 14 weighs a mere three pounds, while the XPS 16 tips the scales at just 3.6 pounds—remarkable considering their premium specifications.

Dell's engineers have clearly been listening on multiple fronts. The improved cooling system doesn't just boost performance; it also extends battery life, addressing two of the most common laptop user concerns simultaneously. Both models feature gorgeous 2K LCD screens with variable refresh rates from 1 to 120Hz, and for those seeking the ultimate visual experience, tandem OLED versions are available.

The good news doesn't stop there. Dell has announced plans to expand the revived XPS lineup with a new XPS 13, which will serve as the most affordable entry point into the premium brand while maintaining the lightweight, thin design philosophy that made XPS famous.

The company is making these innovations accessible too, with configurations starting at $2,049 for the XPS 14 and $2,199 for the XPS 16, available now. Even better, Dell promises that more affordable configurations priced under $2,000 will launch in February, bringing premium computing within reach of more users.

This story represents more than just a product launch—it's a heartening reminder that even large corporations can maintain the flexibility and customer focus that drives innovation. Dell's willingness to acknowledge a misstep, change course, and deliver exceptional products shows that listening to customers isn't just good ethics; it's good business.

For loyal Dell fans who missed the XPS name, this is a moment of celebration. The brand they loved never really went away—it was just waiting for the perfect moment to make a spectacular comeback.