Is it, though? After evaluating the 2016 13" (and having owned a 2012, 2014 and early 2015), I now have the Kaby Lake XPS 13".
$1799 for a _similarly_ (because yes, I know it doesn't have Touch ID, or the display - but build quality is similar, the display is better - 3200x1800, more connectivity options) specced model that costs $2499 from Apple.
$700 is a decent chunk of change, and yes, over the course of a couple of years life, for a developer, it's not earth shattering. But it is nearly 40% more expensive, for questionable value.