I attempted to replace my 13 mini's battery today using the iFixit kit. I broke the OLED panel doing so. Removing the screen take much more force than I though. I did this hopping to keep my iPhone maybe 2 more years. Now I am waiting for ordering the 17 next Friday. I will have to manage having half of my screen being white until then...

> Removing the screen take much more force than I though.

Sorry, how is applying less force more dangerous?

(in general, wish the force meters would be widespread so that iFixit kit just had a monitor with a number and a beeper once you reach the needed force level)

Same. I have 12 mini and got a 13 mini refurb. Perfect phone.

I have mine right here. Upgraded away from iOS but not because it came to the "end of it's lifespan"