java.lang.VerifyError: Verifier rejected class on Lollipop when using release APK

Question

I get this error when I install my release APK on a 5.x device. The error does not occur when I push the same code from Android Studio, or if I run it on a

Answer 1

In my case, the cause was slightly different.

Apparently, putting a synchronized statement inside a try/catch block causes the VerifyError, as reported here on SO and on the official bug tracker.