How to WiFi connect smart-phone *without* Wireless Access Point ( WAP ) ?

How can I connect my custom app running on an iPhone or Android device to a BeagleBoard / BeagleBone via WiFi without using a Wireless Access Point ( WAP ).?

I have a WiFi OBD2 vehicle diagnostics plug that can connect to my iPhone without a Wireless Access Point ( WAP ).

I believe this worked by appearing as a “My OBD2” WAP in the iPhone WiFi Settings.

Does anyone have any ideas how this can be done on the BeagleBoard? By making the WiFi adapter appear as a WAP or other method?

Thanks in advance,

-Ed