Embarcadero has released a hotfix for RAD XE7 to update the Java JNI bridge support for Android 5. Specifically the issues relate to the exchange of array data between the C++/Delphi side and the Java side, as part of a technology called "JNI bridge". The issue shows up in all versions of Android that use the new ART kernel (that replaces the Dalvik kernel). This new kernel is optional in KitKat (4.4) but it is active by default on Android 5.0 (Lollipop).

A few library calls fail because of this JNI bridge issue, most notably those involving some image memory streams, as reported for example in quality.embarcadero.com/browse/RSP-9738

The hotfix contains all the contents of the lib\android folder (which explains its large size of roughly 1 GB)  and it breaks DCU interface compatibility, so you have to rebuild all projects (and optionally third party components) from the source code for the Android platform.

Notice that instructions (currently) refer to the wrong folders, as by default you have to backup replace the folder

C:\Program Files (x86)\Embarcadero\Studio\15.0\lib\android

The hotfix is available to registered users of RAD Studio XE7, Delphi XE7 and C++Builder XE7 (except non-mobile editions) and Embarcadero All-Access XE and it can be downloaded at:

http://cc.embarcadero.com/item/30110