Sony’s been showing off its latest devices at Mobile World Congress for years, and that’s not going to change when this year’s event kicks off on March 2. But whether the Japanese company will have new devices to show off at its booth is looking increasingly unlikely.

Sony is expected to make a significant change to the way in which it delivers its flagship Xperia Z devices in an effort to cut costs. Its smartphone business is currently struggling — so much so that it may be sold off — but releasing fewer devices each year could help.

Rather than launching a new Xperia Z smartphone every six months, it is likely we will see a more traditional approach with annual releases instead. But with the latest model — the Xperia Z3 — just five months old, we’re not expecting another for a while yet.

Recent rumors have claimed Sony will not be holding a press conference at MWC next month, and now the reliable Xperia Blog is reporting the same.

“According to our sources, Sony Mobile is taking a different approach at this year’s MWC tradeshow, which takes place between 2 to 5 March 2015 in Barcelona,” the report reads. “There will be no formal press conference or live stream as we have been used to in prior years.”

However, it’s thought Sony will hold a “welcome greeting” as it opens up its booth to the media on the first morning of the event. “We are expecting Sony’s latest news on the same day,” Xperia Blog adds, “so mark the date in your diaries folks.”

Perhaps Sony has something new up its sleeve, then, but if it doesn’t warrant a press event, it’s likely it won’t be as exciting as a new smartphone or tablet. But don’t be too disappointed; allowing its flagships more time on the market can only help Sony in the long run.

• SourceXperia Blog