Apple has done fairly large refreshes before as silent updates.
The 2011 MBP was a silent update:
- First MBPs with quad core processors
- First announcement and shipment of Thunderbolt
- Switched from NVidia to AMD GPUs on the 15" and 17"
- Switched to Intel graphics on the 13"
I didn't know that - now I don't know what I prefer 😉 I'd like it announced in an apple event because it must be getting some awesome updates if it does......... but I would also like the silent one with significant upgrades just so I can actually get one as soon as possible without millions of others wanting it with me (Which would happen if it was in an event) 😱