[axoltl]

I'm actually very surprised this happened. I've dis- and reassembled dozens of iPhones (from the iPhone 4 all the way up to the iPhone 16) and I've never torn a single flex cable.

You just have to be careful not to pull on the flex, but the connector instead. This logic applies as much to pulling a plug out of a wall socket as it does a thin flex with a board-to-board connector.

That said, would I characterize disassembling any Apple product as "quite friendly"? No. Do not attempt unless you're either familiar with how things go together or you're willing to spend the money to replace the parts you broke. If those aren't options, find a local repair shop.

[diffuse_l]

I tried to repair a macbook air, and did manage to tear the microphone cable, because I didn't notice the connector :|

Like you said, you need to be careful, but you better be prepared to pay dearly (or manage without) for your mistakes...

[mh-]

Maybe I'm not adventurous enough, but I would never open an Apple product without a teardown video/instructions at hand. iFixit is a fantastic resource if they have covered your device previously.