Dell breaks AI illusion: Big confession at CES 2026; claims ‘consumers are just confused’

Dell admits at CES 2026 that consumers aren’t buying PCs for AI features, finding them confusing rather than helpful. The company learned that traditional qualities like battery life and performance are prioritized over experimental AI. This honesty puts Microsoft’s AI-driven upgrade strategy in an awkward spot, as Dell now focuses on better hardware and its popular XPS brand.