Chances of Sony Xperia 1 VII launch at MWC 2025 virtually nil

Almost nothing concrete about the Sony Xperia 1 VII has surfaced yet, although there have been quite a few rumors in regard to details like its potential camera equipment, battery shape, and what other Xperia phones might join the lineup in 2025. However, while those details unfortunately come from somewhat sketchy sources, this latest information is verifiable: Sony Mobile is not listed as an exhibitor for MWC 2025.

There will be one stand each at the conference in Barcelona for Sony Semiconductor Israel and Sony Semiconductor Solutions, and it is worth pointing out that, in contrast, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. has five stands (10 if you include various subsidiaries) and Xiaomi H.K. Limited has three stands. But Sony Mobile is conspicuous once again by its absence, which means no Xperia 1 VII or any other Xperia phone is likely to be shown off at the event.

Sony Mobile has been missing from MWC for several years now, despite some rumors that the company would make some kind of triumphant return in 2024 to launch the Xperia 1 VI (curr. available on Amazon). Things used to be different: The very first Xperia 1 phone was launched at MWC 2019, where Sony had quite a commanding presence (see image below).

Sony was all set to probably launch the Xperia 1 II at MWC 2020, but that event was canceled due to COVID restrictions. After that, it seems the company has preferred to hold its own, increasingly minimal, launch events for each new iteration of the Xperia 1. Realistically, fans can hope that an Xperia 1 VII teaser video/launch video might drop around May time.