TECHNOLOGY · VERIFIED DEVELOPMENT
Dell Revives XPS 13 as Affordable Competitor to Apple’s MacBook Neo
WHY IT MATTERS
Dell’s $700 XPS 13 offers a budget alternative to Apple’s MacBook Neo, potentially reshaping competition in the premium ultrabook segment.
What happened
Dell’s latest XPS 13 marks a return to the line after the brand’s brief disappearance. The 2026 model, priced at about $700, offers a thin‑and‑light chassis with a high‑resolution screen, well‑rated keyboard, responsive trackpad, and clear speakers—features that rival Apple’s new MacBook Neo.
Earlier this year Dell re‑introduced the XPS name with the 14‑ and 16‑inch models, but the 13‑inch version is the first to combine affordability with premium hardware. The design is sleek and ultra‑portable, positioning Dell as a serious alternative for users who want a high‑performance laptop without the Neo’s premium price tag.
The move signals Dell’s intent to reclaim a share of the premium ultrabook market that has been dominated by Apple.
PRIMARY SOURCES
The Dell XPS 13 is the first real competitor to the MacBook Neo
The Verge · Antonio G. Di Benedetto · Discovery only; Vox Media copyright terms apply