Will There Be a 2018 Refresh of the Dell XPS 15: Is it Too Late to Get the 9560?
Last month, no new information was available regarding a potential 2018 refresh of the Dell XPS 15. However, in early January 2018, Intel announced a new venture with AMD to create a new series of chips featuring a video processor and GPU RAM on the same 'chip' as the CPU. Although these chips are technically separate, they come in the same PCB package, providing quicker access, with the GPU utilizing several PCIe lanes and quick RAM capped at around 4GB. This new chip series is expected to be released soon.
Official Announcements from Dell
Although no official announcement has been made by Dell, the company's technical team has revealed that a 2018 refresh of the Dell XPS 15 is highly likely, rather than a question of whether it will happen, but rather a question of when. Leaked Intel roadmaps indicate that the mobile variants of the Coffee Lake architecture (8xx0 H series) will remain on Kaby-Lake (7xx0u), with the U-series expected in March or April 2018.
Given AMD's unexpected release of the Ryzen CPU series, Intel released a significant update to their CPU lineup instead of the traditional incremental updates. If you don't need your new laptop urgently, you might benefit from waiting a few months to purchase a new model, as they will likely come with the latest CPU and GPU technology.
Expectations for the 9570 Release
It is highly unlikely that Dell will announce an updated 9560 model (presumably a 9570) before December 2017 or possibly not until 2018. The current 9560 was only announced at the beginning of 2017 and became available in February 2017 in the U.S. The previous model, the 9550, was introduced in October 2015. Therefore, if a refresh does occur, it will likely be pushed to 2018.
Product lifecycle management is an integral part of product development. If a product is performing well in the market, it is reasonable to assume that the manufacturer will update it with a new CPU, GPU, increase the bus speed, add the latest interface ports, and raise the price accordingly.
Next Steps for Potential Buyers
For those who need the XPS 15 equipment immediately, it is recommended to purchase it now. There is no insider information available on future Dell product developments, but if a product performs well in the market, it is a safe bet that the manufacturer will refresh it with updated components.
By staying informed of these developments, potential buyers can make well-informed decisions about when to purchase their new Dell XPS 15.
Conclusion
While the exact release date of the 9570 model remains uncertain, potential buyers of the Dell XPS 15 should consider the timing of their purchase. If you are in need of a new laptop urgently, purchasing the current model is a smart decision. Otherwise, waiting a few months for the latest technology and improved features is a viable option.