Dell Altered XPS 13 Storage and Pricing Tiers

The manufacturer has adjusted hardware configurations in response to ongoing constraints in the memory market.

Updated on Sept. 30, 2026 in Computers

Isometric editorial illustration of a single memory wafer on a metallic block, representing semiconductor supply chain constraints. — Dell has adjusted storage capacities and pricing for its XPS 13 laptop line, citing persistent AI-driven memory component shortages affecting global supply. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Dell has reduced the storage capacity on its base XPS 13 laptop model from 512GB to 256GB. The company also increased the price of its 16GB RAM model to $999, citing a persistent AI-driven memory shortage.

Why it matters

These adjustments reflect broader industry challenges as manufacturers navigate fluctuating component supplies. The scarcity of high-demand memory components is currently forcing price increases and configuration pivots across the laptop market.

The entry-level XPS 13 model now features 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage for $699. Meanwhile, the 16GB RAM configuration, previously $899, has seen a $100 price increase.

The players

Dell

A multinational technology company that manufactures personal computers and enterprise servers.

PCMag

A digital publication providing reviews and testing of consumer technology products.

Mashable

A global media platform covering technology, culture, and science news.

The details

Dell is managing these configuration changes through its 'Build your own' website portal as it addresses an AI-driven memory shortage. This shortage impacts the availability and cost of the semiconductor memory components required for high-density storage and system RAM. These hardware adjustments allow the company to maintain product availability despite the supply-side constraints.

Summer 2026: The new XPS 13 model line launched.
August 2026: PCMag published a review of the laptop.
September 2026: Dell confirmed the pricing changes.
2028: Analysts expect the sub-$500 PC segment to disappear.

The Tech Race

These pricing adjustments align with a broader industry trend where the sub-$500 entry-level PC segment is expected to vanish by 2028. Dell's shift reflects a competitive pivot to prioritize mid-to-high-tier hardware as manufacturing costs for memory components remain volatile.

Consumers looking for the base XPS 13 will find 256GB of storage instead of the previous 512GB standard. Those requiring 16GB of RAM should prepare for a $100 price increase compared to prior pricing.

The takeaway

The rising cost of components suggests that entry-level computing options will continue to see reduced specifications or higher price tags. Users should monitor future quarterly product announcements to see if memory-related price volatility stabilizes by early 2027.