UPDATE....
I was able to exchange my phone today with a brand new one! I didn't have to go to shipping process which takes about a couple of weeks. I went online exactly at 8AM this morning then searched for the model I have (iPhone 6S Plus 64GB gold) and found one store that has my model. I immediately signed up for the reservation in the afternoon so I can pick it up after work. Looks like only one is available in my area because when I try to search again after making my reservation, it's no longer available at that store right away or to any of the other stores in IL. I just got lucky.
Anyway, I arrived at Apple store and told them about my reservation. They immediately went into the back of the store and picked up a brand new iPhone. I told them that I'm replacing my phone because of the issue I'm having. The guy did not notice it right away so I have to pull up a screenshot that I took with a white background and he saw it. He never asked me anymore question and just pulled the new iPhone out and begin the process of swapping the phone. It only took us 10 minutes and was out of my way. He told me though that next time this thing happen again, to make an appointment at the genius bar instead so they can properly document the issue instead of reserving a phone. I told him I will do that next time.
I'm so happy now! Waiting for my new phone to restore my backup and I should be good!!! I hope you learned a thing or 2 on the process that I went through exchanging my phone so you know what to do if this thing happens to you.