"Prime competition for MacBook Neo": Dell's new XPS 13 starts at $599, and it has a few features that Apple lacks

Three XPS 13 laptops on a wooden desk in a lecture hall, two open with colorful screens, one closed with "XPS" on the back. — (Image credit: Dell | Edited with Gemini)

Dell's XPS 13 is the laptop that originally anchored the brand's ultrabook lineup in 2012, and it has had quite a history in the ensuing 14 years.

The most recent update in 2024, at least until this new announcement I'm covering today, brought us the XPS 13 9345 with Qualcomm Snapdragon X chips.

It arrived at a time when Dell was otherwise rebranding its PCs away from the XPS name, a decision it ultimately admitted was a mistake at CES 2026. There, I saw Dell reveal new XPS 14 and XPS 16 models redesigned and better than ever.

Dell also teased a return of the XPS 13 this year, and that time has now come with the new XPS 13 (DX13260) model unveiled at Computex 2026.

Dell's new XPS 13 arrives to take on the MacBook Neo

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Silver XPS 13 laptop on a gradient background displaying colorful abstract lines and a small image of a person outdoors. — The new XPS 13 viewed from an angle with display, keyboard, and touchpad in view.(Image credit: Dell)

The new XPS 13 arrives at a critical time in the PC market. Apple's $599 MacBook Neo shocked practically everyone, myself included, when it was revealed earlier this year, spawning weeks of online arguments about Windows laptop costs and quality.

Well, I have good news. Dell plans to launch its new XPS 13 at a $599 price tag for students, which I can't help but assume will make it prime competition for Apple's MacBook Neo.

The XPS 13 doesn't just compete on price, either. I can't help but notice several standout features not found in the MacBook Neo, like a backlit keyboard, a touch display, support for multiple external displays, and up to 32GB of memory.

Here's a closer look at the specs arriving in the new XPS 13 (DX13260).

Swipe to scroll horizontally

Dell XPS 13 (DX13260)
Row 0 - Cell 0	Dell XPS 13 (DX13260)
CPU	Intel Core 5 320, Intel Core Ultra 7 355 (post-launch)
GPU	Intel Graphics (integrated)
RAM	8GB, 16GB, 32GB (Core Ultra only) LPDDR5x-7467
Storage	256GB (post-launch), 512GB, 1TB (Core Ultra only) M.2 PCIe 4.0 NVMe SSD
Display	13.4 inches, 2560x1600 (2.5K), touch, 500 nits, 100% DCI-P3, DisplayHDR 400, 30-120Hz VRR, Dolby Vision, Eyesafe, anti-glare
Wireless	Wi-FI 7, Bluetooth 6.0
Camera	1080p + IR
Audio	Quad speakers (8W total), Dolby Atmos
Battery	52Wh, 800ED cells
Dimensions	11.69 x 7.9 x 0.5 inches (296.9mm x 200.66mm x 12.7mm)

This is the thinnest XPS laptop I've ever seen

Two silver XPS 13 laptops open and facing each other against a pink to orange gradient background. — The new XPS 13 for 2026 is super thin and light. (Image credit: Dell)

The new XPS 13 (DX13260) is the thinnest and lightest XPS laptop Dell has ever created, weighing just 2.2 pounds (0.9kg) and measuring only 0.5 inches (12.7mm) thin.

It's made of CNC-machined aluminum for the rigidity, durability, and overall premium feel associated with XPS, and despite its slim size, it features a dual-fan cooling system.

Dell also managed to fit in four speakers with 8W of overall audio output with Dolby Atmos, as well as a slim webcam with 1080p resolution and an IR sensor for Windows Hello. Models with Intel Core chips get dual USB-C ports, while Core Ultra models jump up to dual Thunderbolt 4.

Intel's latest Core Ultra Series 3 chips power the new XPS 13

Silver laptop with "XPS" on the back, against a blue-to-pink gradient background. — The new XPS 13 comes in Sky and Storm colorways. (Image credit: Dell)

Dell plans to launch its XPS 13 first with Intel's "Panther Lake" Core 5 320 CPU, but it will add a more powerful Core Ultra 7 355 option after launch.

The Core 5 chip will be available with 8GB or 16GB of LPDDR5x RAM and up to a 512GB SSD, whereas the Core 7 Ultra chip unlocks 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD.

Dell is claiming up to 17 hours of battery life when streaming video, and although that number will come down in real-world use, that's still an excellent proposition.

No matter the CPU you choose, all new XPS 13 models have the same 13.4-inch touch display. It has a 2560x1600 (2.5K) resolution, 500 nits brightness, 100% DCI-P3 color, DisplayHDR 400 certification, Dolby Vision, 30-120Hz variable refresh rate, and an anti-glare finish.

You don't have to wait long for the new XPS 13

Side profile of an open silver XPS 13 laptop against a magenta to orange gradient background.

A look at one USB-C port on the slim XPS 13 chassis. (Image credit: Dell)

Dell intends to launch its new XPS 13 in June 2026, and as mentioned, it will start at just $599 for students aged 16 and up. For everyone else, it climbs to $699. Not bad, but keep in mind that the price will be for a model with a non-Ultra Intel chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 512GB SSD.

Dell plans to launch the XPS 13 with Intel Core Ultra 7 355 chip "later this summer."

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Cale Hunt brings to Windows Central more than nine years of experience writing about PC gaming, Windows laptops, accessories, and beyond. If it runs Windows or in some way complements the hardware, there’s a good chance he knows about it, has written about it, or is already busy testing it.