Say what you will about Apple losing marketshare to Android and Samsung. The iPhone 5 is still the most lusted-after gadget of 2012 if search queries are any indication of where the public’s heart lies. People want the iPhone 5 more than they want to see pics of Kim Kardashian.

Yahoo released their year in review report on the most searched terms of 2012 and the iPhone 5 came in second place, beating out Kim Kardashian, Lindsay Lohan, Kate Upton, Kate Middleton, and Whitney Houston, while “elections” was the most searched term overall.

An iPhone case has never “felt” this good (#rimshot). OK, I’ll stop with the puns already. This case for the iPhone 4 from Studio Credence is fashioned from merino wool felt with a leather pocket (and strap, depending on the model). It comes in a variety of tasteful colors, and looks both tough and useful enough to be a permanent iPhone case, even for the committed bareback user.

Apple has announced today that the iPhone 5 will be launching in South Korea on December 7, followed by 50 additional countries throughout the month, including Brazil, Russia, and Taiwan. Add that to the 47 countries where it’s already on sale, and Apple’s latest smartphone will be in 97 markets by 2013.

Shipping times for the iPhone 5 have improved again as Apple continues to catch up with the handset’s initial demand. Just 7 days after shipping times dropped to one week, the Apple online store now states that new iPhone 5 orders will be dispatched in just 2-4 business days.

Apple exerts more control over cellular networks than any other technology company on the planet. If a carrier wants to sell the iPhone they have to pay Apple a heft subsidy. Before getting the iPhone 5 to run on their LTE network, Apple has to come around and make sure it doesn’t suck before they enable LTE on the iPhone or iPad.

The reason behind Apple testing carrier’s networks before enabling 4G is pretty simple – Apple doesn’t want it’s users to have a crappy experience. But no other smartphone maker in the world has a policy where they get to test a carrier’s network before turning a feature on, it’s usually the other way around, and some carriers think Apple is getting a little too big for its boots.

Apple has issued a press release announcing that the iPhone 5, the iPad mini, and the fourth-generation iPad with Retina display will be arriving in China next month. Both iPads will be available on December 7, while the iPhone 5 will be available on December 14.

The iPhone 5 is now available for purchase unlocked at an unsubsidized price on Apple’s U.S. online store. Customers should also be able to pick up an unlocked iPhone 5 in U.S. Apple Retail stores as well. Pricing starts at $649 for the 16GB model.

It typically takes Apple a couple months before it starts selling a new iPhone model unlocked. Today a new option has appeared in the online store for selecting an unlocked model without a two-year carrier contract.

The iPhone 5 is expected to make its debut in China next month, and that’s looking increasingly likely now that the device has received its third and final license from China’s Telecommunications Equipment and Certification Center (TENAA).

“Man, I really wish I had an iPhone 5-sized pocket in my pants!”

If you’ve ever thought that before, then you’re in luck. The appropriately named “WTFJeans” is now selling denim that has been specifically designed to cradle Apple’s newest smartphone and protect your manly parts at the same time.

This Italian denim not only includes two iPhone 5 pockets, but also two hidden USB stick holders. Now you can be the fashionable nerd you’ve always dreamed of becoming.

ElementCase is now selling (for pre-order) the limited edition Sector 5 Black Ops iPhone 5 case for military and espionage types.

It features a non-glare anodized finish with super gripping edges, back and corner.

It comes with a “tactical holster” and a “non-glare privacy screen” and “Black Ops CNC machined amber RF inserts,” whatever the heck those are.

It’s not cheap, though. The SRP is $199.95, and it ships December 6.