Corning's Gorilla Glass SR+ is coming to a wearable near you

Corning's Gorilla Glass SR+ is coming to a wearable near you

After launching Gorilla Glass 5 for smartphones earlier this year, Corning is now turning its attention to the wearable segment with Gorilla Glass SR+. Corning started developing a product under "Project Phire" last year, aiming to come up with a glass substrate that was as durable as Gorilla Glass 4 and as scratch resistant as sapphire, which is used in traditional luxury watches. Gorilla Glass SR+ is the culmination of those efforts.

According to Corning, Gorilla Glass SR+ "significantly reduces visible scratches while delivering the toughness, optical clarity and touch sensitivity that make Gorilla Glass famous." The manufacturer is touting scratch resistance comparable to sapphire, while delivering 70% better damage resistance against tumbles and 25% better surface reflection. With the new glass substrate, Corning will be looking to entice watchmakers away from sapphire displays to its more affordable solution.

Corning didn't reveal any specifics, but said that wearables with Gorilla Glass SR+ will be available from "leading brands" later this year. With new smartwatches expected at IFA later this week, we should be hearing more in the coming days and weeks.